JUMADA ALAWWAL 4, 1441 AH MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019

28 Pages Max 23º Min 08º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18023 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Noticeable change in Jleeb Turkey will not withdraw Trump, Syria and Facebook: Liverpool lean on VAR to edge 5 after municipal crackdown 6 from army posts in Idlib 20 Volatile cocktail of the 2010s 28 Wolves; Chelsea sink Arsenal

Kuwait says it respects Iran’s integrity after Ahvaz meeting

Deputy FM reassures Iranian envoy, says meeting was held without approval

By B Izzak

Damkhi files KUWAIT: Kuwait said yesterday that it respects Iran’s “territorial integrity”, a day after Tehran summoned its envoy to protest to grill Aseeri against Kuwaiti officials meeting Iranian sepa- By B Izzak ratists. In a meeting with Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Irani, Kuwait’s deputy foreign KUWAIT: Islamist opposition MP minister Khaled Al-Jarallah stressed that his Adel Al-Damkhi yesterday filed to grill country’s foreign policy was based on respect- Minister of Social Affairs and Labor ing “sovereignty and non-interference in inter- Ghadeer Aseeri barely a week after nal affairs and good neighborliness”, KUNA she took office, over allegations that said. KUNA said Jarallah had reassured Iran’s ambassador that Kuwait respects the “Islamic she challenged the integrity of MPs. In Adel Al-Damkhi his brief grilling, Damkhi charged the Republic of Iran’s territorial integrity”. Iran’s foreign ministry had said on minister of violating the principles of for two more weeks. The minister Saturday that it summoned Kuwait’s envoy to cooperation between the National became a target of criticism by several Tehran to protest against its officials meeting Assembly and the government by issu- opposition MPs for tweets she posted a separatist group and holding an “anti-Iran ing statements deemed offensive to on her account some eight years ago meeting”. “Such actions are a clear interfer- lawmakers. in which she declared her total sup- ence in the internal affairs” of Iran, the for- Acting Assembly Speaker Essa Al- port for anti-government protests in eign ministry told a Kuwaiti envoy, according Kandari said the grilling will be listed neighboring Bahrain and for criticizing to a statement. The Iranian statement did not on the Jan 7 session’s agenda for a the dispatching of Gulf troops to specify which separatist group the Kuwaiti possible debate unless the minister Bahrain to support the government. officials stood accused of having met. KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah meets Iranian Ambassador to invokes her right to delay the debate Continued on Page 24 Continued on Page 24 Kuwait Mohammad Irani yesterday. — KUNA

During the past two years, Kuwait Maid dies after Kuwait ends managed to bear the great burden of being the sole Arab member of the coun- cil, and succeeded in following up and brutal assault successful coordinating with Arab countries and By Hanan Al-Saadoun trying to reflect their positions and con- UNSC tenure cerns in the decisions or statements dis- KUWAIT: Capital police were alerted yesterday after cussed by the council. “Unfortunately, receiving a report from Sabah Hospital concerning the NEW YORK: Kuwait has concluded its Arab issues are many in the Security arrival of a deceased Filipina housemaid with bruises on non-permanent membership of the UN Council, and some of them have gone on various parts of her body. Initial examination of the body Security Council with great success, for many years, such as the Palestinian suggested the possibility of a homicide, so the public prose- defending during its tenure a multitude cause. There are other issues listed since cutor was notified and the body was reexamined by the of Arab-related causes connected with the seventies and since 2011... the situa- coroner, who confirmed earlier suspicions. Palestine, Syria and Yemen. Moreover, tion has been very difficult and accord- The maid’s sponsor, who had taken her to hospital, Kuwait helped in formulating a resolu- ing to the statistics of the council, the admitted during interrogations that his wife had beaten the tion - the first of its kind - on missing Arab causes in which the council is maid until she fainted, adding he was shocked when he persons in armed conflicts. The GCC occupied constitute almost 50 percent realized at the hospital that she had died. The sponsor was state also had a hand in UNSC deci- of its overall work,” Kuwait’s Permanent detained and his wife was summoned. She admitted to sions on the humanitarian situation Representative to the UN headquarters beating the maid but said she had not intended to kill her. within context of the Syrian crisis and in New York Ambassador Mansour Al- UNITED NATIONS: Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN headquarters in Detectives and forensic experts rushed to the sponsor’s also contributed to a presidential state- Otaibi told KUNA. New York Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi casts a vote during a session on Syria’s house in Sulaibikhat to examine the crime scene, where ment on Yemen. Continued on Page 24 humanitarian situation. — KUNA they found traces of blood that had been cleaned and evi- dence that the maid had been brutally beaten. A case was filed and further investigations are still in progress. lashing out at passersby and even Lathi: Indian minors, has only fuelled public anger. One video of a group of Muslim women in New Delhi protecting a cowering News in brief cops’ colonial male fellow student from a police lathi barrage spread like wildfire on social Death sentence for Yemeni stabber weapon media in India. Those who have experienced a blow RIYADH: A Saudi court sentenced a Yemeni man to NEW DELHI: As Indian protests from a lathi, measuring five or six feet death yesterday for a knife attack on a Spanish the- against a new citizenship law have inten- (1.5-1.8 m) and made of stout bamboo or atre group, state television said. The court also sen- sified, so has police use of “lathis”, stur- plastic, say it leaves a numbing sensation tenced an accomplice to 12 and a half years in jail dy sticks used to whack, thwack and that lasts for days. Multiple strikes can for the Nov 11 attack, which state media linked to quell dissent since British colonial times break bones, cripple and even kill. “From militant group Al-Qaeda, and which Madrid said left - to sometimes deadly effect. At least 27 being used as means to regulate crowds, four performers wounded. The assailant, identified people have died in the past two weeks by Saudi police as a 33-year-old Yemeni, went on a lathi has turned into a lethal weapon,” stabbing spree during a musical in the capital’s King of protests, mostly from bullets, but hun- said V Suresh, the secretary general of Abdullah Park. — AFP dreds more have been injured in clashes the People’s Union for Civil Liberties between demonstrators and riot police (PUCL), a non-profit rights group. “It is... wielding the bamboo canes. being freely used, so much so that as a Slain men were driving car bomb Images shot by AFP and other media country we have become inured to it. GALORE, India: In this picture taken on Dec 19, 2019, policemen with “lathis” beat a of officers hitting people with them, in Lathi is seen as a normal but it is protester during a demonstration against India’s new citizenship law. — AFP DUBAI: Two Saudi men shot dead last week in the some cases apparently indiscriminately Continued on Page 24 eastern city of Dammam were driving a car loaded with explosives and were planning an “imminent ter- rorist operation”, the SPA state news agency said have an impact on production and exports”, adding that people wounded. The activists scored a partial success yesterday, citing security forces. The two started Iraq protesters the national oil company’s branch in the southern port in November with the resignation of prime minister shooting at security forces when they were of Basra will “compensate for the losses”. Iraq exports Adel Abdel Mahdi, who however remains in charge in a approached on Wednesday and were shot dead. around 3.6 million barrels of oil per day. The youth-led caretaker role. Pro-Iranian and other political factions Five kg of paste was taken from the car and found lock down oil protests demand the ouster of the entire political class have since wrangled over finding a replacement - so far later to contain the explosive RDX. — Reuters that has run the country in the aftermath of the 2003 without success. field, call strike US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. And although parliament has just voted for an elec- Demonstrators have vented their fury at what they toral reform package, there has been no indication that Arrests over ‘indecency’, harassment NASIRIYAH, Iraq: Iraqi anti-government protesters consider inept politicians who have mismanaged the the early polls many citizens are calling for will be held blockaded an oilfield and rallied in southern cities yes- economy, enriched themselves and are beholden to anytime soon. Heightening the turmoil, President RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 200 terday while political factions remained paralyzed in powerful neighbor Iran. Sit-in protests have shut down Barham Saleh last week threatened to resign rather people for violating “public decency” - including by their attempts to form a new government. Several hun- state offices and schools across the Shiite-majority than put forward the name of a pro-Iran candidate to wearing immodest clothing - and “harassment”, dred people demanding jobs shut off access to the south for weeks, and demonstrators again declared a form the next government. police said. Some 120 men and women have been Nasiriyah field, 300 km south of Baghdad, which pro- “general strike” in Diwaniyah yesterday, the first day of Nasiriyah student demonstrator Osama Ali praised arrested over the past week for offending public duces 82,000 barrels of oil per day, executives said. the working week. Mass rallies and picket lines also the head of state, saying he had “foiled the attempts by morals, including wearing “inappropriate clothes”. The two-day-old blockade is the first to disrupt opera- paralyzed Kut, Hilla, Amara and the shrine city of Najaf, parties and militiamen to kill off the revolution to pro- Another 88 people were arrested in various harass- tions in OPEC’s second largest producer since the start AFP correspondents said. tect their own interests”. “This gives us hope to contin- ment cases after several women complained on social of the popular revolt set to enter its fourth month in The protests have continued despite being met with ue our peaceful movement until we obtain all our media that they were harassed at the MDL Beast early January. music festival in Riyadh earlier this month. — AFP batons, tear gas and, at times, live rounds in violence demands,” he told AFP. The Iraqi oil ministry said the blockade “will not that has claimed nearly 460 lives and left some 25,000 Continued on Page 24 2 Established 1961 Local Monday, December 30, 2019 Kuwait Amir receives newly appointed judiciary officials Sheikh Sabah offers condolence over Mogadishu blast victims, Egypt accident

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Minister of Justice Dr Fahad Al-Afasi, Chief Justice Yousef Al-Mutawaa, and the newly-appointed court prosecutor and member of the constitutional court judge Saleh Al-Mraished and the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with His court of appeal prosecutor and member of the constitutional court justice Abdulrahman Al-Drami. —Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets with His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- meets with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled meets with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Essa Al- Hamad Al-Sabah. Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Kandari.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Mubarak, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, Essa Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday His Al-Kandari, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received His Ahmad Al-Sabah. Moreover, he hosted Deputy Prime Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister, Minister of Interior and Minister of State for His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh as well as Foreign Minister Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Deputy Speaker of the National Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. Assembly Essa Al-Kandari. In other news, His Highness Furthermore, His Highness the the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Amir received President of the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Supreme Judicial Council, Saturday sent a cable to Somali President of the Constitutional Kuwait condemns President Mohamed Abdullahi Court and Head of the Cassation appalling act Mohamed Farmajo, offering Court Justice Yousef Al- heartfelt condolences over the Mutawaa and a number of newly that targeted victims of a vehicle blast in appointed judiciary officials who innocents Mogadishu, which left heavy His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Minister of Justice took oath yesterday. Present at casualties. In the cable, His Dr Fahad Al-Afasi, Chief Justice Yousef Al-Mutawaa, and the newly-appointed court prosecutor and mem- the meeting were Minister of the Highness the Amir expressed ber of the constitutional court judge Saleh Al-Mraished and the court of appeal prosecutor and member of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali compassion for the victims and the constitutional court justice Abdulrahman Al-Drami. Jarrah Al-Sabah in addition to wished a speedy recovery for Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic the injured. Sheikh Sabah voiced Kuwait’s emphatic con- Affairs Dr Fahad Al-Afasi. demnation of this appalling criminal act that targeted inno- sent cables to Speaker of the Somali House of People His Highness wished mercy for the deceased and a swift In the meantime, His Highness the Crown Prince cents in a breach of all heavenly religions and human val- Mohamed Mursal and Speaker of the Somalian senate recovery for the injured. His Highness the Crown Prince received Justice Mutawaa, who presented to him the new- ues. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Abdi Hadi Abdullah. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His ly-appointed court prosecutor and member of the consti- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Separately, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- tutional court judge Saleh Al-Mraished and the court of Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables, while National appeal prosecutor and member of the constitutional court Al-Sabah also expressed similar sentiments in two sepa- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi over victims of Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem sent a con- justice Abdulrahman Al-Drami. His Highness Sheikh rate cables of condolences sent to the Somali president, the traffic accident on one of the roads in Port Said gov- dolence cable to Egypt’s Parliament Speaker Dr Ali Nawaf Al-Ahmad also received His Highness Sheikh Jaber while National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem ernorate, which resulted in many casualties. In the cable, Abdulaal. —KUNA

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Sabah meets with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Al-Sabah meets with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hamad Al-Sabah. Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Essa Al-Kandari.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al- Sabah meets with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Al-Sabah meets with Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. 3 Local Monday, December 30, 2019 Kuwait championed Arab, Islamic and humanitarian causes at UNSC Report highlights two years of Kuwait’s active diplomacy

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti diplomacy spent two initiatives approved by the Council. ties to put an end to these practices, in accor- years in the halls of the United Nation Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled chaired the ses- dance with their obligations under interna- Security Council actively tackling vari- sion which aimed to provide a clear path tional humanitarian law. ous issues and putting its weight behind to reach a solution to the Palestinian On June 13, 2019, Kuwait released a presi- Arab, Islamic and humanitarian causes. cause which would grant Palestinians the dential statement of the UNSC on the coop- The end of this year marks the end of right to establish an independent state eration between the council and the Arab this journey at the Security Council, but with East Jerusalem as its capital by League during a session chaired by Sheikh Kuwait will continue its role in the implementing relevant international res- Sabah Al-Khaled, which included representa- United Nations and its different institu- olutions and the Arab peace initiative. tives of both bodies to discuss “Cooperation tions. Through its non-permanent mem- On October 30, 2018, Kuwait and between the United Nations, Regional bership in the Security Council, Kuwait Sweden, as the penholders of the Syrian Organizations and Sub-regional Organization succeeded in enforcing its distinguished Humanitarian file at the UNSC, called on in Maintaining International Peace and diplomatic mark and present solutions to all concerned parties to facilitate the Security.” The session was included in many complex issues facing the world, delivery of humanitarian aid to ‘Rukban’ Kuwait’s agenda as president of the UNSC and coordinate with member countries area on Syrian-Jordanian border, and to for the month of June. Among the partici- to suggest and adopt many important respond to UN demands and UN Office pants are the United Nations Security projects, resolutions and statements. for the Coordination of Humanitarian General Antonio Guterres and the Arab On January 1, 2018, Kuwait began its Affairs. Kuwait and Sweden also League Secretary General Ahmad Abul NEW YORK: In this file photo, then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh membership at the Security Council as a expressed deep concern over the horri- Gheit. The statement affirmed that the UNSC Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah heads Kuwait’s delegation at a UN Security Council meeting non-permanent member, succeeding ble situation in Rukban, where more than is responsible for maintaining international on Palestine. — KUNA Egypt, to represent Arab countries. 45,000 people are suffering acute short- peace and security, and that resolutions and Although it was faced by many chal- ages of food, humanitarian and medical presidential statements which assert the need lenges, Kuwait tackled some of the most supplies. On December 13, 2018, the for establishing an effective partnership 2019, Ambassador Otaibi announced that the humanitarian draft presented by Kuwait, important global challenges, most signif- UNSC held a vote on a draft resolution between the UN and regional organizations penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file at Belgium and Germany will go down in histo- icantly maintaining peace and security, presented by Kuwait and Sweden according to the UN Charter and relevant the UNSC, which are Kuwait, Belgium and ry.” He added that “the draft was meant to and improving work methods at the asserting the need to ensure that human- regulations applied in regional and Sub Germany, presented a draft resolution to the protect civilians in Idlib.” The UNSC consists Security Council. On that historical day, itarian assistance reach Syrians in need, regional organizations. UNSC on Idlib, which aims to put an end to of 15 member states, 10 elected for two-year Kuwait returned to that seat 40 years specifically cross-border aid through On August 20, 2019, Ambassador Otaibi the deteriorating human conditions in the terms, while the five permanent member after its first membership in 1973. four crossings in order to alleviate the submitted a letter to the UNSC regarding Syrian city. states-US, Britain, France, China and Russia- Kuwait, earing trust of the international suffering of the Syrian people. After Kuwait constructing a platform in Fisht Al-Eij. The UNSC discussed the draft resolution enjoy veto right. The United Nations Security community for a non-permanent seat in gaining UNSC’s approval, the Permanent It affirmed that the platform is being con- on September 29, however it failed to adopt it Council is an entity of the six principal bodies the Security Council, received support of Representative of Kuwait to the UN structed within Kuwait’s territorial waters, due to Russian and China’s veto. In response, of United Nations. These bodies are: UN 188 out of 198 members and gave the Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi said thus was part of Kuwait’s practicing of its Ambassador Otaibi expressed disappoint- Secretariat, the General Assembly, Gulf Nation a two-year mandate. that the resolution is a success for sovereignty over its territories, and it is being ment of the UNSC’s failure in living up to its Trusteeship Council, International Court of Before commencing its activities at Kuwaiti diplomacy and is a continuation constructed to monitor and follow-up ships responsibility, noting that “The stance of each Justice (ICJ) and Economic and Social the Security Council, then Deputy Prime of the humanitarian work by the coun- movement in Khor Abdullah. On August 29, UNSC member towards this balanced Council (ECOSOC). — KUNA Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs try’s leadership, which focus on improv- Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- ing the humanitarian situation in Syria. Sabah asserted Kuwait’s keenness on On March 15, 2019, the UNSC continuing its moderate and balanced approved a statement presented by approach in seeking to achieve preven- Kuwait and Indonesia condemning in the tive diplomacy. He added that Kuwait strongest terms the attacks on two would cooperate with member countries mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, to prevent disputes and wars, in addition which killed and injured dozens of civil- to solve conflicts peacefully. Sheikh ians. The statement affirmed that terror- Sabah Al-Khaled added, “We represent ism in all its forms and manifestations our Arab brothers, the Asian group, the constitutes one of the most serious Organization of Islamic Cooperation and threats to international peace and secu- Asia-Pacific countries. We will work on rity. On May 31, 2019, Kuwait chaired the looking into all that is related to our UNSC for the month of June, for the Arab causes and the challenges facing third time in its history. The first was in our Arab and Islamic nations.” February 1979 during its first non-per- During its tenure on the UNSC, manent seat term at the UNSC, and the Kuwait presented a number of draft res- second was on February 2018 during its olutions concerning significant global current tenure. In that occasion, issues, and released statements on many Ambassador Otaibi stated that chairing vital issues in Arab and Islamic countries. the UNSC is considered a historical In February 2018, Kuwait assumed pres- moment for Kuwaiti diplomacy whose idency of the UNSC. During that month foreign policy is based on balance and many important sessions were held and moderation, respecting principles of the discussed three main issues: Palestine, UN Charter and international laws, and Iraq and the purposes of the United seeks to actively contribute to maintain Nations Charter in maintaining interna- international peace and security. tional peace and security. On June 11, the UNSC unanimously On February 21, Sheikh Sabah Al- adopted a Kuwaiti draft resolution on Khaled chaired a UNSC session at the missing persons in armed conflicts. It request of Kuwait about “the principles aims to support and promote frame- and purposes of the United Nations works to protect civilians in armed con- Charter in Maintaining International flicts. That resolution is the only one that Peace and Security.” Member countries Kuwait presented solely, and it reflects discussed methods to improve the Kuwait’s continuous effort to shed light UNSC working mechanisms to limit risks on humanitarian issues. Furthermore, and threats facing the international com- Kuwait-sponsored resolution stems from munity. During the session member its bitter experience during the Iraqi states reiterated their commitments to Invasion of Kuwait in 1990 which result- the principles of United Nations Charter ed in a large number of missing Kuwaitis in light of the increasing challenges fac- with their fates still unknown. Kuwait is ing the international community, and the of the view that this resolution will form best means to employ the tools provided a basis on the methods of dealing with by the charter to enable the UNSC to missing persons in armed conflicts. This carry on it mission effectively. is the first resolution on missing persons The following day, The UNSC dis- and armed conflicts in the UNSC. In cussed Kuwait’s request to hold a special accordance with the resolution, the session to discuss the best means to UNSC deplores the deliberate targeting revive the peace process in the Middle of civilians and other protected persons East in light of regional and international in armed conflicts, calling upon all par-

Kuwaiti Deputy FM meets Jordan ambassador

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah meets with Jordanian Ambassador to Kuwait Saqr Abushtal. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign situation at regional and international Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah met yester- fields. Assistant Foreign Minister for the day with Jordanian Ambassador to Deputy Foreign Minister’s Office Affairs Kuwait Saqr Abushtal and discussed Ambassador Ayham Abdullatif Al-Omar bilateral cooperation as well as current attended the meeting. —KUNA 4 Local Monday, December 30, 2019

Photo of the Day

KUWAIT: Vehicles drive during sunset on a highway in Kuwait. — Photo by Khaled Al-Shammari (KUNA) Kuwait continued philanthropic action throughout 2019

KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait, which the UN termed as a ‘Humanitarian Center,’ kept extending a helping hand for people in need in many parts of the globe. The following are major philanthropic contributions by the Gulf state throughout 2019. January 16: His Highness the Amir directed dispatch of $1.5 million in emergency relief aid to Syrian refugees in Rukban camp in Lebanon, through the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society. January 17: Kuwait donated $5 million for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to cover UNHCR’s program for Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. January 18: Kuwait contributed $9.1 million to a num- ber of UN agencies to support the humanitarian situation in Syria. January 20: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) launched a donation campaign at the Avenues Mall for the relief of the Yemeni people. January 31: KRCS launched an emergency convoy to aid displaced people from the Yemeni governorates, including five trucks carrying 100 tons of humanitarian aid. February 3: Kuwait offered a financial support of one million Euros to re-activate a hospital in the Italian city of Norcia after a devastating earthquake. February 7: KRCS distributed 100 tons of humanitarian aid to 41,000 people across Yemen. February 26: Kuwait donated $250 million to the A truck carrying humanitarian aid KRCS distributed to refugees. Humanitarian Response Plan Conference in Yemen launched by the UN in Geneva. March 14: Kuwait announces $300 million support to August 8: Kuwait offered $3 million to UN’s FAO to the Syrian refugees during the third Brussels conference boost food security in Syria. on supporting the future of Syria and the region. August 30: KRCS sent the first airplane to Sudan April 5: KRCS sent the first plane to Iran to help the with 40 tons of food and relief supplies to help the flood victims upon the directives of His Highness the Amir. Sudanese people. April 6: KRCS offered humanitarian aid to Yemeni peo- September 12: KRCS opened a water facility in Kenya. ple in Socotra Island. September 28: Kuwait donated $11 million to support April 24: KRCS donated three medical clinics to ICRC’s operations in Yemen. Iraqi displaced people as part of the ‘Kuwait by your October 20: KRCS opened the fifth stage of a clinic for Side’ campaign. treatment of Syrian refugees in Amman, Jordan, bringing May 13: KRCS handed out food aid for 15 different total aid to $1 million in three years. countries to help more than 100,000 people during the November 4: KRCS launched women designing and holy month of Ramadan. tailing project in order to improve families’ income. May 25: KRCS delivered 155 tons in medical aid for November 4: Kuwait has announced $6.4 million volun- Yemeni people. July 8: Kuwait donated $350,000 to build tary contributions to a number of UN agencies, programs an educational center and a mosque in Montenegro. and funds to support UN humanitarian and developments July 24: KRCS President Dr Hilal Al-Sayer opened activities. Sabah Al-Ahmad rehabilitation center in Sri Lanka.July 26: November 15: KRCS launched an air corridor to Sudan, Kuwait donated $5 million to UNRWA. carrying 10 tons of food and humanitarian aid. August 3: KRCS distributed 5,000 food baskets for December 16: Kuwait pledges $1 million grant to UN’s refugees in Bosnia-Herzegovina. emergency fund for 2020. — KUNA

KRCS volunteers attend a ceremony held for the opening of a Kuwait-funded water facility in Kenya. 5 Local Monday, December 30, 2019 Grilling likely to force minister out of Kuwait Cabinet: Sources Around 18 lawmakers in favor of planned no-confidence motion

By A Saleh the government for including a minister who had government should accept her resignation and Policemen arrested “embarrassed” Kuwait in front of sister countries. appoint a new Shiite minister,” the sources stressed, Two policemen KUWAIT: The grilling motion MP Adel Al-Damkhi “How would the minister react in GCC meetings while noting that MP Mohammed Al-Mutair plans to grill were caught red- filed yesterday against Minister of Social Affairs Dr she is against them - this would embarrass Kuwait,” His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- handed while reck- Ghadeer Aseeri is not an individual act and was the sources noted. A session will be held on Jan 7 to Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah if the government rejects lessly driving a vehi- agreed upon by many lawmakers during a meeting debate the grilling motion filed against Aseeri, the passing the general amnesty law and dropping previ- cle and performing held at MP Mohammed Hayef’s office last week, well- sources said, adding that the government will have ous verdicts issued against former lawmakers for stunts near informed parliamentary sources said. The sources either to have her take the podium or resign from breaking into the parliament. Sulaibikhat cemetery. added that the grilling motion is a manifestation of a office, because lawmakers will strongly oppose refer- Security sources said reaction to a previous hostile attitude Aseeri had tak- ring the motion to the legislative committee or the Sentence overruled on leaving the ceme- en against the unified GCC stand concerning the 2011 constitutional court. The court of cassation yesterday annulled a previ- tery, MoI events in Bahrain, when she was against the interven- “Should the goverment succeed in doing so, anoth- ous verdict issued acquitting a Bangladeshi man who Undersecretary Lt tion of the Peninsula Shield forces and supported pro- er grilling will be filed against the minister within a had been charged of committing hostile actions against Gen Essam Al- Minister of Social Affairs testors in Bahrain. month, which means that she will have to resign,” the US and Britain and sentenced him to eight months in Nahham spotted the Dr Ghadeer Aseeri Responding to a question about how to question sources stressed. The sources highlighted that a no- prison. The court also sentenced the same defendant to vehicle and ordered to the minster for a previous attitude and opinion, the confidence motion will be prepared before discussing one year in prison, a KD 1,000 fine and deportation for stop it. Both the driver and his companion turned out sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the grilling motion and that there more than 10 misusing Instagram and threatening the British ambas- to be policemen, who were immediately arrested and said that regardless of this detail, MPs plan to blame (around 18) lawmakers in favor of the motion. “The sador and the US Army commander in Kuwait. the vehicle was impounded.

Union denies increase in Kuwait, Saudi Zubaidi prices outline border

By Meshaal Al-Enezi in neutral zone KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwaiti Fishermen Union Thaher Al-Sowayyan stressed the union’s keenness on KUWAIT: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia agreed providing fresh local fish for reasonable prices. after talks in Riyadh last week to resume Accordingly, Sowayyan denied social media reports shared oil output in the neutral zone after set- claiming that the price of 16 kilograms of Zubaidi (pom- ting up an officially-recognized border within fret) fish climbed to KD 270, noting that the real price the area, the Kuwaiti negotiating committee is only KD 207, or KD 13 per kilogram, which he argues said on Saturday. Three new deals, described is a reasonable price considering that it is not Zubaidi KUWAIT: Shoppers walk in a makeshift market in Hasawi. — Photos by Ben Garcia as being appended agreements, were reached fishing season yet. “Local shrimp was sold for KD 100 on Tuesday after extensive negotiations. They per basket, while 10 kilograms of Iranian Zubaidi was come after an oil production halt in 2014 in sold for KD 125, or KD 12.5 per kilogram, and the the cities of Wafra, Kuwait and Khafji, Saudi Iranian shrimp basket was sold for KD 95,” he elaborat- Crackdowns help achieve Arabia both located within the neutral zone, ed, expressing criticism for the “fuss created despite which produces more than 470,000 barrels of the small difference in price between local and import- noticeable changes in Jleeb oil per day through onshore and offshore ed fish.” Sowayyan added that there is an abundance of fields. The new deals have set out two bound- She’em, Nuwaibi and Sbour fish in the market nowa- By Ben Garcia aries within the neutral zone, including two days, noting that Pomfret fishing season starts in April. agreements for land and maritime borders, KUWAIT: Some areas of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh - notori- and a memorandum of understanding for the ously known as the slum of Kuwait - are now relatively resumption of oil production. Signing the bor- cleaner than before. There have been some noticeable der agreements was Kuwait’s Foreign Minister NCCAL announces changes as the municipality continues operations to Sheikh Dr Nasser Sabah Nasser Al- clean the area of garbage, makeshift markets, illegal Mohammad Al-Sabah and Saudi Arabia’s stalls, etc. Full of old and dilapidated buildings and traf- Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman state’s 2019 fic chaos, the Hasawi area of Jleeb is now a bit better. Al-Saud. There were times in the past when low-income Meanwhile, the MoU was signed by both awards winners laborers staged protests in Jleeb against their employ- Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister and Kuwait’s ers, complaining mostly of unpaid salaries. Hasawi is Oil Minister and Minister of Electricity and now being cleared and put in order, particularly the Water Khaled Al-Fadhel. “There is no new KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and main road running through the area. agreement,” Assistant Foreign Minister for Letters (NCCAL) yesterday announced the winners of Makeshift markets - which were a feature of this Legal Affairs and the deals’ negotiating com- the state’s discretionary and encouraging awards for area - have been relegated to just one corner behind mittee Deputy Director Ambassador Ghanem the year 2019. The winners’ names were adopted at the the main road. Vendors - mostly Bangladeshis - sell Al-Ghanem told Kuwait TV in an interview. meeting of the Higher Committee for State Awards, fruits and vegetables at very reasonable prices to cater “The current agreement is appended to the which was recently held under the chairmanship of the to the low-income families living there. Kuwait Times land border demarcation agreement of 1965 Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth noticed that side streets seem much wider after and the maritime demarcation agreement of Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri. In a press statement, the encroachments were removed. Many shops and busi- 2000,” he said. The new deal is “more accu- council said that the State Appreciation Award in the nesses have been sealed by the authorities for operat- A shop closed by Kuwait Municipality. rate and more definitive” and outlines a field of social sciences was won by Dr Fattouh Al- ing without licenses and permits. clear-cut border between both countries in Khatrash, while poet Bader Buresli and artist accordance with the previous agreements. It Mohammad Al-Mansour won in the field of fine arts, outlines complete sovereignty on the north- theatrical and musical arts. The statement noted that ern part of the zone for Kuwait and the same the winners will be honored in a special celebration that for Saudi Arabia for the southern part. will be held at the 26th Qurain Cultural Festival at “There was no clear cut text stating this in exactly seven thirty in the evening on Saturday, the 18th previous agreements,” added the official. of January at the Abdul Hussein Abdulredha Theater. The Council Secretary-General Kamil Al-Abduljaleel The natural resources located in both areas, congratulated the winners, praising their distinguished however, will remain shared between both achievements in the field of arts, literature and humani- countries. The current agreements also state ties and their cultural, literary and intellectual contribu- that the resources located within the zone tions that have affected the cultural and artistic field. will be governed by joint operations, not by The state’s discretionary awards are an indication of a sole country. the country’s sponsorship represented by the National The so-called joint operations mechanism Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in Kuwaiti cre- carries out the integrated exploration of all ators and their interest in promoting cultural develop- the hydrocarbon resources in the zone and ment through the council’s keenness to revive culture splits costs equally, he added. Explaining fur- and heritage, he added. — KUNA A general view of a street in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. ther, he said the MoU also outlines aspects of cooperation, including offshore investments in Durra field and onshore investments in Khafji. The neutral zone, an area of just under 5,800 sq-km, was left undivided when the two coun- Investigations department sets up hotline tries marked their border at the Uqair Convention in 1922, however, both nations had By Hanan Al-Saadoun torate said yesterday that service cen- casualties were reported. equal sovereign rights over land and ters that operate on weekends will resources, he added. This remained the case Training program KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry remain closed on Saturday, Jan 4, 2020, until the 1965 deal that split the area into announced yesterday a hotline through on the occasion of the start of the new The training program “Preparing which callers can submit complaints Gregorian year. Security Plans - 4” concluded at the demarcated northern Kuwaiti and southern directly to the General Investigations coordination command under the Saudi portions but the natural resources Department. In a statement to the Yarmouk fire patronage and presence of director remained shared between both. press yesterday, the relations and Fire broke out in a two-storey general of coordination command oper- Speaking about the breakthrough, security information department at the house in Yarmouk Saturday night. ations for the protection of domestic Committee Director Ambassador Majdi Al- interior ministry said the General Farwaniya and industrial Shuwaikh security Maj Gen Staff Dr Mohammad Dhifeeri said it “reflects the depth of the Investigations Department has set up a fire stations responded, and firemen Al-Daihani. Sixteen officers participated neighboring countries’ strategic bilateral rela- hotline to receive complaints around found the fire was in the kitchen. in the program - 12 from the interior tionship, built on transparency, exclusivity, the clock. The number is 1888988. Power supply was cut off and the ministry, two national guards and two mutual interest and compatibility.” It comes in Meanwhile, the service centers direc- fire brought under control. No from the fire department. accordance with the directions of both His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, he added. The talks were described as having been reached after both sides saw eye-to-eye “completely and comprehensively” on the matters discussed “actually and not only ver- bally.” “The goal is to be in accord, not to be divided,” he said, adding Saudi Arabia is a “strategic depth” for Kuwait, just as Kuwait is to Saudi Arabia. — KUNA KUWAIT: Fire trucks seen outside a Yarmouk house A group photo of participants in the “Preparing Security Plans - 4” training program. where a fire was reported. International MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019 Ukrainian rivals exchange 200 prisoners Tourists stay away from Taj Mahal, other attractions as protests flare Page 9 in controversial swap Page 8

A Syrian child reacts upon her arrival in the back of a truck at a camp for displaced people near the village of Harbnoush in the Idlib province after fleeing government forces’ advance on Maaret Al-Numan in the south of the province on Saturday.—AFP Turkey not to pull out from Idlib army posts Syria regime must halt ‘escalation of violence’: EU

ISTANBUL: Turkey will not withdraw from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh cease- region comes as Turkey is also readying to Syria’s regime and its allies to halt “indiscrim- called for urgent unhindered humanitarian its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bas- fire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow send troops to support the UN-recognized inate” military attacks on civilians in the access to the three million civilians thought to tion province of Idlib which has seen an on Monday. government in Tripoli against strongman country’s north west, where an intensifying be living in Idlib province. increase in violence carried out by regime “We are doing what’s needed to put an Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National bombardment by Damascus and Russian It acknowledged that “terrorist groups” forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the end to this massacre,” Akar was quoted as Army. “The Turkish Armed Forces are ready forces has displaced tens of thousands. were operating in the region, but stressed defense minister said. saying by the official news agency Anadolu. for whatever task is given in order to pro- Civilians have streamed out of affected that combating these networks “does not The posts were established under a He said Ankara expected Damascus ally tect our country and people’s interests,” areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in permit the undermining of international September 2018 deal between Syrian regime Russia to “use its influence on the regime in Akar said. recent weeks to escape heightened attacks humanitarian law or the targeting of civil- ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the order to stop ground and air assault” in Idlib. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on on the southern edge of the final major oppo- ians”. The Idlib region is dominated by the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government The latest violence has displaced more Thursday said Ankara would respond to an sition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into country’s former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat onslaught in Idlib. President Bashar Al- than 235,000 people and killed scores of invitation from the Libyan national unity gov- the country’s devastating war. “The escala- Tahrir Al-Sham. Residents in the province Assad’s forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and ernment and that the Turkish parliament tion of violence in the Northwest of Syria by mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, observation posts in Idlib province on international calls for a de-escalation. would vote on a motion to send troops as the Syrian regime and its allies must cease,” which came under threat in December after Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a The Idlib region hosts some three million soon as it returns from recess as early as next the EU said in a statement by spokesperson Russia and China vetoed a UN Security push to take the last opposition holdout, people including many displaced by years of month. Ankara signed in November a securi- for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Council resolution that would have extended according to the Syrian Observatory for violence in other parts of Syria. “As long as ty and military cooperation deal with the which said airstrikes and shelling had led to such deliveries for a year. Human Rights. this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a Tripoli-based Government of National “countless civilian deaths”. The move raised fears that vital UN-fund- “We respect the agreement reached with new migrant wave and put further burden on Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, “All parties have the obligation to protect ed aid could stop entering Idlib from January Russia and we expect Russia to abide by Turkey which is already hosting nearly four parliament needs to vote through a motion as civilians. The regime and its allies must unless an alternative agreement is reached. this agreement,” Turkish Defense Minister million Syrian brothers,” said Akar. it does for Iraq and Syria. cease indiscriminate military attacks and The Damascus regime, which now con- Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Around 300 protesters-mostly Syrians Anadolu news agency, citing sources in respect international humanitarian law,” the trols 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly Sunday on the defence ministry’s Twitter living in Turkey — held an anti-Moscow Erdogan’s ruling party, reported that the statement said. vowed to take back the region. Backed by account. “We will by no means empty those demonstration near the Russian consulate in timetable could be brought forward and the Violence has intensified since mid- Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering 12 observation posts, we will not leave Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified motion could be presented to the parliamen- December despite an August ceasefire deal offensive against Idlib in April, killing around there,” Akar said. attacks in Idlib, shouting “murderer Putin, get tary speaker’s office on Monday. and international calls for a de-escalation. 1,000 civilians and displacing more than His comments came during a visit, togeth- out of Syria!”, referring to Russian President The General Assembly could vote the More than 235,000 people fled the area 400,000 people. er with top army commanders, to the south- Vladimir Putin. measure in an extraordinary session on between December 12 and 25, mostly from Syria’s war has killed over 370,000 peo- ern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return the beleaguered city of Maaret Al-Numan, ple and displaced millions since beginning in inspect Turkish troops on Saturday. Turkey, Libya timetable from recess on January 7. according to the United Nations’ humanitari- 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-gov- worried over a new wave of refugees from Akar’s visit to soldiers on the border The European Union meanwhile, called on an coordination agency OCHA. The EU ernment protests. —AFP

CGT wants to make its mark through media stunts. But the French government, French are not going to be duped by the extreme-left politi- cization of this movement,” he added. unions exchange ‘Like Thatcher’ But in an interview with the same newspaper, Martinez accused the government of trying to ensure the conflict barbs in deadlock deteriorated further. “Emmanuel Macron presents himself as PARIS: The French government and a key trade union on a man of a new world but he is imitating Margaret Thatcher,” Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame he said, referring to the late British prime minister who for France’s over three-week transport strike against pension sought to break the power of the unions in 1980s standoffs. reforms, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting. “There is real anger. Of course, not being paid for 24 days Deputy Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari accused is tough. But the conflict is the result of two-and-a-half years the hardline CGT union of a “systematic opposition to any of suffering,” Martinez added. He said he was awaiting con- reform” while the union’s chief Philippe Martinez charged the cessions from Macron in a New Year’s address Tuesday government with strewing “chaos” in the conflict. evening as well as recognition that “most people are not The strike-now longer than the notorious 22-day strike of happy and that he (the president) was wrong”. The French winter 1995 — has now lasted 25 days and is on course to president, elected in 2017 on pledges to reform France, has surpass the longest transport strike in France which lasted remained virtually silent on the standoff, save for a call for a for 28 days in 1986 and early 1987. Aside from two driverless Christmas truce that went unheeded and a vow not to take a lines, the Paris metro was again almost completely shut down presidential pension. yesterday while only a fraction of high-speed TGV trains This will intensify attention on December 31 address, with were running. all eyes on whether Macron offers steps to defuse the con- The government and unions are only due to hold their flict or indicates he is ready for a long, grinding standoff. next talks on January 7, two days ahead of a new day of The unions are demanding that the government drops a mass demonstrations against the reform which is champi- plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, oned by President Emmanuel Macron. In an interview with points-based system. The overhaul would see workers in the Journal de Dimanche newspaper, Djebbari angrily certain sectors-including the railways-lose early retirement accused the CGT of “attitudes of intimidation, harassment benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is need- and even aggression” against railway workers who had opt- ed to create a fairer system. But workers object to the inclu- ed not to down tools. sion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would PARIS: Protesters demonstrate as part of a nationwide multi-sector strike against French government’s pensions overhaul He accused the CGT of showing a “systematic opposition have to work to earn a full pension-two years beyond the near the city hall in Paris on Saturday. —AFP to any reform, of blocking and sometimes intimidation”. “The official retirement age. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, December 30, 2019 Iran accuses Paris of ‘interference’ over jailed Iranian-French academic Tehran insists Adelkhah faces security charges

TEHRAN: Tehran accused Paris yesterday of Hunger strikes “interference” in the case of an Iranian-French aca- A specialist in Shiite Islam and a research director demic held in the Islamic republic, saying she is at Sciences Po University in Paris, Adelkhah’s arrest considered an Iranian national and faces security for suspected “espionage” was confirmed in July. Her charges. colleague Marchal was arrested while visiting France said Friday it summoned Iran’s ambassa- Adelkhah, according to his lawyer. A judge had decid- dor to protest the imprisonment of Fariba Adelkhah ed to release the two on bail this month, as they had and another academic, Roland Marchal of France, been entitled to it after six months in detention, their saying their detention was “intolerable”. lawyer said. Their imprisonment has added to distrust But this was opposed by the prosecution, and as a between Tehran and Paris at a time when French result the case was referred to Iran’s Revolutionary President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to play a Court to settle the dispute, Iran’s semi-official news leading role in defusing tensions between Iran and agency ISNA reported. its arch-foe the United States. “The statement by The Revolutionary Court typically handles high- France’s foreign ministry regarding an Iranian profile cases in Iran, including those involving espi- national is an act of interference and we see their onage. The university and supporters said this week request to have no legal basis,” Iran’s foreign min- that Adelkhah and another detained academic, istry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in a statement. Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert, had started an indefi- “The individual in question (Adelkhah) is an nite hunger strike just before Christmas. Iranian national and has been arrested over ‘acts of The French statement said the ministry had made espionage’,” he said, adding that her lawyer had clear to the ambassador “our grave concern over the knowledge about the details of the case which is situation of Mrs Fariba Adelkhah, who has stopped being investigated. taking food”. Iran does not recognize dual nationality and has “Creating hype cannot stop Iran’s judiciary from repeatedly rebuffed calls from foreign governments handling the case, especially considering the security for consular access to those it has detained during charges the two face,” Mousavi said. Mousavi had A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army office yesterday shows a view of the Russian Navy legal proceedings. In its statement on Friday, the previously dismissed similar calls from France, saying Neustrashimyy-class frigate “Yaroslav Mudry” during joint Iran-Russia-China naval drills in the Indian French foreign ministry reiterated its call for the it should remember that “Iran is sovereign and inde- Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. —AFP release of Adelkhah and Marshal. pendent” and interference in its affairs is “unaccept- It also reaffirmed France’s demand for consular able”. The latest tensions come after Xiyue Wang, an Iran has said it is open to more such prisoner swaps his father Mohammad Bagher Namazi. access. In response, Mousavi said Marshal was American scholar who had been serving 10 years on with the United States. Tehran is still holding several US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington detained for “conspiring against national security”, espionage charges, was released by Iran this month in other foreign nationals in high profile cases, including pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement that he has had “consular access multiple times” exchange for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian who had British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and with Tehran last year and reimposed crippling and that his lawyer was in touch with the judiciary. been held in the US for allegedly breaching sanctions. Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi and sanctions. —AFP

to Djerad’s appointment suggested he Algeria’s new has his work cut out. “This change of prime minister is ille- gitimate since the one who appointed him PM pledges to is illegitimate,” said pharmacy student Maassoum. The people “asked for a new ‘World’s oldest regain trust soup. They just changed the spoon,” said one of his friends, Amine. Although from rhino’ dies in ALGIERS: Algeria’s new president on an academic background, Djerad already Saturday named as his prime minister an has experience of the inner workings of academic turned political insider who the Algerian state, having held posts Tanzania at 57 vowed to work to win back people’s including general secretary of the presi- DAR ES SALAAM: A rhino believed to the world’s trust after months of street protests. dency from 1993-1995 and the same role oldest has died at the age of 57 in a Tanzanian con- Abdelmadjid Tebboune, elected this at the foreign ministry from 2001-2003. servation area, authorities said. Fausta, a female month to succeed ousted president He replaces Sabri Boukadoum, the black rhino, died of natural causes in captivity on Abdelaziz Bouteflika, asked Abdelaziz foreign minister who was appointed Friday in the Ngorongoro Crater, the state conser- Djerad to form a government, the presi- interim prime minister after Tebboune’s vation body said. dency announced in a statement carried election win. Algeria’s 10-month-old “Records show that Fausta lived (longer) than by state television. The 65-year-old pre- protest movement has rejected any rhino in the world and survived in the mier, who has a Ph.D in political science, Tebboune as part of the same corrupt Ngorongoro, free-ranging, for more than 54 years ALGIERS: A handout picture released by the official Algeria Press Service (APS) struck a conciliatory tone after meeting system that has ruled since independ- before it was kept in a sanctuary for the last three Tebboune, whose election victory was ence in 1962. Demonstrators have stayed shows Algerian President Abdelaziz Tebboune (left) receiving the newly appointed Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad in the capital Algiers on Saturday. —AFP years of its life in 2016,” the Ngorongoro rejected by protesters as a ploy to keep on the streets since Bouteflika resigned Conservation Area Authority said in a statement. establishment insiders in power. in April after two decades in office. On Fausta was first located in 1965 at between three Djerad pledged to work with all Friday tens of thousands of Algerians versity holidays had kept people away. December 12 election was boycotted by and four years’ old by a scientist. Her health deteri- Algerians to surmount the economic and rallied again insisting on a total revamp The crowd was outnumbered by the a large part of the electorate. Tebboune orated from 2016 after hyena attacks, when she was social challenges confronting the north of the political establishment. throngs of people who had turned out won with 58.1 percent of the vote on a taken into refuge. African country. “We face a major chal- But the demonstration seemed one of for the funeral on Wednesday of power- turnout of less than 40 percent, accord- “Fausta survived 57 years without bearing lenge to win back the trust” of the peo- the smallest since the start of the ful army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who ing to official results, and was sworn in calves,” the statement added. Rhinos’ life expectan- ple, he added. unprecedented, peaceful uprising, with had become the de facto strongman in on December 19, days before Gaid Salah cy is around 40 years in the wild but they can live But the initial response on the street some protesters saying school and uni- the country after Bouteflika quit. The died of a heart attack at age 79. —AFP an extra decade in captivity, according to the Ngorongoro authority. Decimated by poaching, black rhinos now number around 5,500, according They nevertheless control vast rural areas and neighboring Kenya since its troops intervened in to charity Save The Rhino. The smaller of the two Qaeda-linked remain the key threat to peace in Somalia. In Somalia in 2011. The deadliest took place on April African species, they are found around south and October 2017 a truck bombing in a busy neighbor- 2, 2015 when the Shabaab killed 148 people at east Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, hood of Mogadishu killed more than 500 people in Garissa University in northeastern Kenya. In June- South Africa and Zimbabwe. —Reuters Shabaab the deadliest attack in Somalia to date. The July 2014 around 100 people were killed in raids in Shabaab have intensified their activity since the the coastal Lamu region in Kenya’s northeast, home in Somalia start of 2016 and Somalia’s President Mohamed of a once-popular tourist island. Abdullahi Mohamed, elected in February 2017, has In September 2013 the Shabaab claimed respon- MOGADISHU: Dozens of people were killed in a declared a state of war against the group. sibility for a dramatic raid on the Westgate shop- massive car bomb attack on a busy street in the In March 2017 US President Donald Trump ping mall in Nairobi that killed 67 people over a Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday. No group authorized the Pentagon to take action against sus- four-day siege. has claimed responsibility, but Al-Shabaab, mean- pected militants in Somalia and since then US In January 2019, a Shabaab attack on an upscale ing “youth” in Arabic, is the main militant group in forces have conducted a series of air strikes against Nairobi hotel complex left at least 21 people dead Somalia, which has been mired in chaos since 1991. the Shabaab. On October 12, 2018 one of these in an hours-long siege. Here is some background on the Islamist militant strikes killed around 60 militants, according to the organization with links to Al-Qaeda. US army. Foreign forces Somalia’s armed forces rely heavily on the The rhino named Fausta is seen in Ngorongoro, Tanzania in Al-Qaeda links Moving abroad 21,000-strong AMISOM troops, though the African this undated picture.—Reuters The Shabaab stem from Somalia’s Islamic Courts In 2010, the Shabaab claimed responsibility for a Union last year said it is gradually scaling back its Union that controlled central and southern Somalia twin attack in Kampala, the capital of Uganda and forces as local forces are trained up. Uganda has including the capital Mogadishu for six months in main contributor to AMISOM. The suicide bomb- the most troops in the AMISOM Somalia million at 2006 before being ousted by Ethiopian troops. ings in two restaurants in Kampala on July 11 killed 6,200 men followed by Burindi at 5,400 troops. In 2010 the Shabaab declared their allegiance to 76 people and injured more than 80. It was the first Other contributors include Djibouti, Ethiopia and Yemen missile Al-Qaeda, to which they were officially integrated major Shabaab attack outside its borders. Kenya. US special forces have been deployed in in 2012. They are estimated to have between 5,000 On May 24, 2014 the Shabaab claimed responsi- Somalia for years while US drone strikes have also and 9,000 men. Since the death in September 2014 bility for an attack in Djibouti on a restaurant been used against Shabaab commanders. Dozens of strike kills five of Ahmed Abdi Godane, killed in a US strike, the packed with Westerners, saying they had targeted regular troops from the 101st Airborne Division group’s leader has been Ahmed Diriye. French “crusaders” and that the strike was in retali- have also deployed since 2017. separatists The Shabaab were chased out of their last bas- ation for Djibouti’s hosting of the biggest US mili- Strikes in Somalia also surged in 2017 after US tions in Mogadishu in 2011 by the 22,000-strong tary base in Africa. President Donald Trump declared the south of the ADEN: A missile struck a passing out ceremony in African Union peace-enforcement mission, AMI- country an “area of active hostilities”. But the rate southern Yemen yesterday, killing at least five southern SOM-in Somalia since 2007 — and since then they Shabaab targets Kenya of air strikes rose sharply again in 2019 against Al- separatists, security officials said. The ceremony in the have had to abandon most of their strongholds. The Shabaab began a spate of bloody attacks in Shabaab and Islamic State in Somalia. —AFP town of Ad-Dali was for new recruits to the separatist- dominated Security Belt Forces, a formation trained and equipped by the United Arab Emirates to patrol territory retaken from northern rebels or Al-Qaeda, its Mitsotakis said yesterday, as tensions conference will be held next month in ment in Tripoli. Greece immediately spokesmen Majed Al-Shuaibi said. Five soldiers were Greece ‘wants escalate with neighbours Turkey over the Berlin to pave the way for a political rejected it as baseless, arguing that killed and nine others wounded when the missile hit the issue. Libya has become another diplo- solution to Libya’s ongoing conflict. Turkey and Libya share no maritime bor- reviewing stand during the march-past. matic front for Greece and Turkey as the Libya has been beset by chaos since a der. “(Libya) is our natural maritime Shuaibi told AFP the missile was fired by the Houthi a say’ in traditional rivals jostle over Mediterranean NATO-backed uprising toppled and neighbor, not Turkey’s,” Mitsotakis said rebels who control the capital Sanaa and much of the maritime rights and the competing camps killed dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, yesterday. The Turkish deal lays claim to north. But there was no immediate claim of responsibility Libya peace in the North African country’s conflict. with rival administrations in the east and much of the Mediterranean for energy from the Iran-allied rebels, whose forces are present in the “We do not want a source of instabili- the west vying for power. “I have exploration, conflicting with rival claims mountains just 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Ad-Dali. ty in our neighbourhood. Therefore we requested, and will do so again with by Greece and Cyprus. In August, 36 Security Belt soldiers were killed in a process: PM want a say in developments in Libya,” greater insistence, that we participate in At the same time, Turkey is step- drone and missile attack by the Houthis on a passing Mitsotakis told To Vima weekly in an the Berlin process,” Mitsotakis said. ping up military aid to Tripoli, which out ceremony just outside the main southern city of ATHENS: Greece wants to be included in interview. “We want to be part of the In November, Ankara signed a con- is battling the forces of military Aden. The security forces in the south have also come UN-sponsored talks in January on the solution in Libya, as it concerns us too,” tentious maritime and military deal with strongman Khalifa Haftar for control under repeated attack by both Al-Qaeda and the Libya conflict, Prime Minister Kyriakos he said. The UN has said an international the embattled UN-recognized govern- of the capital. —AFP Islamic State group. —AFP 8 International Monday, December 30, 2019 Ukrainian rivals exchange 200 prisoners in controversial swap Release of riot police has raised concerns

CHECKPOINT MAYORSKE, Ukraine: ratists were those who said they had been ern Ukraine who launched a bid for independ- Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the held for several years after getting caught up ence in 2014. Since then more than 13,000 country’s war-torn east exchanged 200 pris- in the conflict while visiting relatives. people have been killed in the conflict. oners yesterday, swapping detained fighters Volodymyr Danylchenko, who said he had for civilians and servicemen held captive in spent three years in captivity, said he was at a ‘No future’ some cases for years in two breakaway loss for words. “I myself don’t understand The release of the riot police has raised regions. Kiev handed over to separatists five what’s happened,” said the 36-year-old, concerns in Ukraine, with many fearing the riot policemen suspected of killing protesters adding that he was leaving his mother behind country is being pushed to pay too high a price during a pro-Western uprising in 2014 as part in the separatist region of Lugansk. for the swap. Ahead of the exchange three riot of the swap, sparking public outrage. “The policemen were released from custody while mutual release of the detainees has ended,” Bittersweet homecoming another two were freed from house arrest. The the Ukrainian presidential office said in a Another detainee released by the sepa- riot policemen are suspected to have been statement on Facebook, adding that it would ratists, who gave just her first name Victoria, involved in the bloody crackdown on protest- provide more details later. said she had been held for three years. “I am ers in 2014. Some 100 demonstrators were shot The presidency said Kiev received 76 cap- so happy,” the 24-year-old told AFP, adding dead during the uprising. “What Ukrainians tives, while separatist officials said the self- that she had been convicted of “state treason” have been fighting for is going down the drain,” proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s and sentenced to 12 years in prison after filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was released in Republics took in a total of 124. The head of arriving in the Lugansk region to see her par- the September prisoner exchange, said on the Lugansk stronghold, Leonid Pasechnik, ents. Another woman being handed to Kiev congratulated his people on a new “victory” sported a handwritten sign on her clothing: Facebook. In an open letter to Zelensky, the victims’ families warned that the release of the Pro-Russian rebels - who were made prisoners - board a bus during a prisoner exchange ahead of the New Year’s festivities. The “My country is Ukraine!” between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels near the Mayorsk checkpoint yesterday. — AFP exchange came after Russian President The swap, which was overseen by monitors suspects could lead to a “wave of protests”. Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader from the Organization for Economic Co-oper- Volodymyr Golodnyuk, whose 19-year son was Volodymyr Zelensky held their first face-to- ation and Development, came three months killed in the uprising, accused authorities of turned-president Zelensky, 41, has sought to trol of the border in the east, residents of sepa- face talks in Paris on Dec 9 and agreed meas- after Ukraine carried out a long-awaited “abusing the justice system”. “This country has kickstart a peace process to end the conflict. At ratist-held territories could be targeted. ures to de-escalate Europe’s only active war. exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each. no future,” he said. In an apparent move to the Paris summit, the leaders sought to revive Zelensky’s peace plan has also been strongly Prisoners filed off coaches at the Mayorske The previous prisoner swap between Kiev allay concerns, Ukraine’s prosecutor-general’s accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for criticized by war veterans and nationalists. checkpoint in the eastern Donetsk region, and separatists took place in 2017. Ties office said the trial of the five former policemen the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow many carrying plastic bags stuffed with their between Ukraine and Russia were shredded would continue. restoration of Kiev’s control over its borders, Centre, praised the prisoner exchange but said belongings, as gun-toting uniformed soldiers after the bloody 2014 uprising ousted a among other conditions. But many doubt it would not bring a settlement any closer. “The and ambulances were on standby. Among the Kremlin-backed regime. Moscow went on to ‘Frozen’ conflict whether Putin genuinely wants to settle the conflict is much more likely to become frozen group of detainees handed over by the sepa- annex Crimea and support insurgents in east- Since coming to power in May, comedian- conflict. He has said that if Kiev gets back con- than resolved,” he said on Twitter. — AFP

Earlier this month six people, including two stick”. Kohn threw chairs and tables in an was a son of the rabbi. “The house had Five stabbed at suspects, were killed in a Jersey City shoot- attempt to head off the assault. “I saw him many dozens of people in there,” Gestetner ing at a kosher deli, which authorities said stabbing people,” he added. “He injured a said. “It was a Hanukkah celebration.” NY rabbi’s home was fueled in part by anti-Semitism. A guy, he was bleeding in his hand, all over.” Rockland has the largest Jewish population EU charts path report in April from the Anti-Defamation Kohn said the attacker tried to enter the per capita of any US county, with 31.4 per- League (ADL) stated that the number of adjacent synagogue, but it was locked. cent, or 90,000 Jewish residents. in ‘terrorist’ anti-Semitic attacks in 2018 was close to In response to the recent surge in hate- for ‘challenging’ the record of 2017, with 1,879 incidents. Extra patrols crimes in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio attack “I was praying for my life,” said witness Yossi Gestetner, of the Orthodox Jewish had announced on Friday that the NYPD post-Brexit deal Aron Kohn, 65, comparing the knife used Public Affairs Council (OJPAC), told The was stepping up patrols in three neighbor- by the attacker to “the size of a broom- New York Times that one of the victims hoods and increasing the number of visits MONSEY, New York: An intruder stabbed to places of worship. After Saturday’s BRUSSELS: The EU will keep engaging with the UK and wounded five people at a rabbi’s house attack, the mayor also tweeted that he has through the WTO and the UN as both sides work out a in a New York suburb late Saturday, in an recently spoken to longtime Jewish friends deal on their future ties once Britain leaves the bloc, incident the state governor said was “an who are fearful of outwardly showing their according to the top Brexit negotiator in Brussels. act of terrorism” after a spate of attacks on faith. “We will NOT allow this to become Agreeing and ratifying a post-Brexit relationship by the Jewish targets. Local media reported that a the new normal,” he wrote. “We’ll use end of 2020 “will be immensely challenging, but we will man with a machete entered the rabbi’s every tool we have to stop these attacks give it our all, even if we won’t be able to achieve property in Monsey, Rockland County, once and for all.” everything,” the official, Michel Barnier, wrote in a during celebrations for the Jewish festival In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin weekend online commentary for the Project Syndicate of Hanukkah, knifing several people before Netanyahu said the country “strongly con- magazine website. fleeing. Victims were rushed to nearby demns the recent displays of anti-Semitism The two sides will have just 11 months to settle that hospitals, with no official details on their including the vicious attack at the home of agreement following Britain’s formal departure from the injuries. Police said a suspect was later a rabbi in Monsey, New York”. “We will EU on January 31. arrested. cooperate however possible with the local British Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists he will “This is an act of terrorism. I think these authorities in order to assist in defeating not seek an extension beyond 2020 to fine-tune a deal. are domestic terrorists. They are trying to this phenomenon.” He has also made it clear his country will drop EU inflict fear,” New York Governor Andrew The attack happened at about 10:00 labour, environmental, financial, health and safety stan- Cuomo told reporters at the scene yester- pm on Saturday, the seventh night of dards, spurring Brussels’ concerns about British trade day. “They’re motivated by hate. They are Hanukkah. “It’s a wave and a trend of hate- “dumping” and making prospects of a quick and com- doing mass attacks. These are terrorists in filled violence that is sweeping the coun- prehensive deal appear remote. our country perpetrating terrorism on other try, not just NY State,” tweeted Maya Americans, and that’s how we should treat Wiley, a civil rights activist and senior vice ‘New Year’s resolutions’ it.” Last year a white supremacist walked president for social justice at the New NEW YORK: Two police officers stand guard as the press gathers outside a rabbi’s Barnier, who was unfailingly courteous when he into a Pittsburgh synagogue and killed 11 School private university in New York. home where a machete attack that took place earlier during the Jewish festival of negotiated the terms of Britain’s withdrawal in a way to people - the deadliest attack against the “We have to stand together to keep our Hanukkah, in Monsey, New York, yesterday. — AFP protect the EU’s single market and citizens, said he had Jewish community in the United States. neighbors safe.” — AFP three goals-framed as “New Year’s resolutions”-for the upcoming talks on the future relationship. To work together on global issues, “the EU will continue to engage positively with the UK, both bilaterally and in I Coast ex-rebel vows to organize attempted coups and political assassina- global fora such as the United Nations, the World Trade Guinea-Bissau tions ever since. After the latest coup in Organization, and the G20,” he said. In terms of securi- ‘political resistance’ from abroad 2012, the West African regional bloc ty issues, while it is “simply not possible” for Britain to votes in runoff ECOWAS deployed a nearly 700-mem- have the same access to data as EU members, “tackling PARIS: Former rebel leader and would- in Paris but had not “asked for any par- ber force to try to stabilize the fragile terrorism, cyberattacks, and other attempts to under- be Ivory Coast presidential candidate ticular help” and had had “no contact” nation. A member of the European Union mine our democracies will require a joint effort”. Guillaume Soro said he would organize with the Elysee Palace. Soro, who presidential poll election observation team expressed Barnier said there should be “unconditional commit- “political resistance” from abroad in an remains a member of parliament, also cautious optimism that the military would ment from both sides” to building a security alliance. interview published yesterday, a day said he had concluded an electoral pact to end turmoil not disrupt the political process this time. And for economic ties, “any free-trade agreement must after president Alassane Ouattara with Bedie that would see the highest- “The soldiers are quiet. I hope that provide for a level playing field on standards, state aid, warned him and other rivals against placed in the first round support the this will continue, but we will see after the results are announced,” they said. and tax matters,” Barnier emphasized. destabilizing the country. candidacy of the other in further rounds BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau: Voters in Polls close at 1700 GMT and the results That last point is seen as being a big stumbling “It is only a question of political of voting. Soro’s planned return has Guinea-Bissau cast their ballots in a pres- are not expected until next week. block in the talks. Johnson told the British parliament resistance,” Soro told French newspaper raised tensions in the West African idential runoff yesterday with the hope of last Friday that an “ambitious” trade agreement would Le Journal du Dimanche following accu- nation ahead of a presidential election ending months of political turmoil in the Raucous campaign be struck “with no alignment on EU rules, but instead sations he was preparing an imminent next year. coup-prone West African state that is one The election campaign passed loudly with control of our own laws, and close and friendly “civilian military insurrection” to seize The one-time prime minister-who is of the world’s poorest nations. and colorfully and with no violence. relations”. EU officials and lawmakers have voiced power. “I am and remain a presidential planning to run for the presidency in Some 700,000 registered voters have Pereira, 56, a civil engineer by training, concern that Johnson might be seeking to build Britain candidate... I will organize the resistance October 2020 — also faces allegations a choice between two former prime min- won 40.1 percent of the vote in the first as a deregulated “Singapore-on-Thames” that would just as de Gaulle did from London,” he that he was launching an operation isters-Domingos Simoes Pereira, from the round on November 24. He belongs to try to sell goods into the EU made cheaper by cutting said, referring to the French wartime abroad to try to discredit the current traditional ruling PAIGC party, and oppo- the African Party for the Independence of rules meant to protect workers, consumers and the resistance leader. Ouattara on Saturday regime in Ivory Coast. He and his sup- sition figure Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which environment. — AFP had warned against any attempt to porters have dismissed the allegations as Both are promising a better economic is historically rooted in the fight to end destabilize the country, days after an a political frame-up. future in a young country wracked by Portugal’s colonial rule. Embalo, a former arrest warrant was issued for Soro, a for- On Friday, Soro tweeted that he would poverty, instability, high unemployment general who wears a red-and-white Arab mer ally turned political rival. make a live address to the nation on the and corruption. Incumbent Jose Mario keffiyeh headdress, is gambling that he “No one will be allowed to destabi- evening of December 31 — when, tradi- Vaz crashed out of the race in the first Two killed in can chip away at Pereira’s lead by getting lize Ivory Coast,” Ouattara said during tionally, Ivorian heads of state make their round in November-becoming the first backing from candidates knocked out in a joint news conference with Equatorial speech. — AFP elected president in 25 years to reach the Texas shooting Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang end of his mandate without being ousted the first round in November. Nguema, according to a statement sent or dying in office, in a country where the The 47-year-old came second with HOUSTON: A shooting killed two people and wounded at to AFP. military has loomed large in politics. 27.65 percent. He represents Madem, an least seven while they were filming a music video in the US “The law will be applied to everyone, Polling stations, often set up in the opposition party formed by PAIGC state of Texas, authorities said Saturday. “We are now at 9 candidate or not,” Ouattara said. open air, opened at 0700 GMT. rebels. The latest crisis erupted in 2015 total gunshot wound victims: 2 were confirmed deceased “Nobody is above the law, former presi- “This is the most important day. We when Vaz sacked Pereira as prime minis- at scene, 1 was critical, the others remain hospitalized,” dents of the republic, presidents of insti- want everything to go well,” said ter, a move that incensed the PAIGC. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted. tutions, the president of the republic and Dominique Zale, a security guard and Thereafter, Vaz was unable to get The attack on a group of Hispanic men in their 20s everyone else,” he added. father-of-six who spoke to AFP at a parliamentary backing for his proposed occurred around 9:30 pm Friday (0330 GMT Saturday) at prime ministers-and parliament did not Ouattara’s comments could be seen as polling station near the port in the capi- a parking lot in a residential Houston neighborhood, sit for nearly two years until April 2018 directed at not just Soro, but also former tal Bissau, where voters started lining up Gonzalez said at a media briefing that night. A video post- when Aristides Gomes was appointed president Henri Konan Bedie, leader of before dawn. “We must vote to change ed on Twitter Saturday morning by a Houston Chronicle “consensus” prime minister. Vaz came the main opposition party, who has not things. The next president will have the reporter showed bloodstains on the ground in the parking fourth in the first round of voting, with yet said whether he is running for the mission to make the country work,” said lot and cars dotted with bullet holes. just 12.4 percent. Guinea-Bissau has presidency. Soro had been due to head 31-year-old Jair Fernandes Martins, at a “There were other vehicles that were staged there, and nearby polling station. Nearly 70 per- been lacerated by graft, ranking 172nd they were filming some type of music video when, all of a back to Ivory Coast on Monday after a out of 180 countries in Transparency six-month absence. But after security cent of Guinea-Bissau’s 1.8 million peo- sudden, basically they were ambushed, we believe by indi- ple lives on less than $1.90 a day and the International’s 2018 index for perceived forces stormed his party headquarters in viduals in cars and/or foot that fired shots into the parking country ranks 178th out of 189 on the levels of corruption. Latin American Abidjan he diverted his flight. lot,” Gonzalez said in the media briefing. Police do not yet UN Human Development Index. drug runners have exploited the instabil- Prosecutors then issued an arrest know the motive for the shooting, he added. According to The small tropical country gained ity and poverty to make the country a warrant for him. He told the Journal the government figures, around 40,000 people died from gun- independence from Portugal in 1974, but hub along the cocaine-smuggling route arrest warrant against him was politically fire in 2017 in the US, a country that is plagued by fre- has suffered a string of military coups, to Europe. — AFP quent gun violence. — AFP motivated, adding he planned to remain Guillaume Soro 9 International Monday, December 30, 2019 Tourists stay away from Taj Mahal, other attractions as protests flare Discriminatory Indian law triggers protests as 7 countries issue travel warnings

MUMBAI: India’s tourism industry has been hit by a wave spoke to Reuters from the capital New Delhi. The Taj of violent anti-government protests against a new citizen- Mahal, situated in the town of Agra, attracts over 6.5 mil- ship law that have rocked several cities this month, with at lion tourists every year, generating nearly $14 million least seven countries issuing travel warnings. annually from entrance fees. A foreign tourist pays 1,100 At least 25 people have been killed in clashes between rupees (about $15) to enter the grounds, although nation- police and protesters, and demonstrations against the law als from neighboring countries get a discount. continue. Officials estimate about 200,000 domestic and Managers in luxury hotels and guest houses around the international tourists cancelled or postponed their trip to Taj Mahal said last minute cancellations during the festive the Taj Mahal in the past two weeks, one of the world’s season have further dampened business sentiment at a most popular tourist attractions. time when the country’s economic growth has slowed to “There has been a 60 percent decline in visitor footfalls 4.5 percent, its slowest pace in more than six years. In a in December this year,” said Dinesh Kumar, a police bid to clamp down on violence and unrest, authorities have inspector overseeing a special tourist police station near suspended mobile internet services in Agra. the Taj Mahal who has access to visitor data. He said the “Blocking the internet has affected travel and tourism decline was compared to December last year. “Indian and in Agra by about 50-60 percent,” said Sandeep Arora, foreign tourists have been calling our control rooms to president of the Agra Tourism Development Foundation check security. We assure them protection, but many still that groups over 250 tour operators, hotels and guides. decide to stay away,” said Kumar. The United States, Britain, Russia, Israel, Singapore, The 17th century marble monument is in Uttar Canada and Taiwan have issued travel advisories asking Pradesh, the northern state that has witnessed the high- their citizens to either refrain from visiting or to exercise est number of deaths and intense bursts of violence in caution when visiting regions embroiled in India’s two weeks of unrest. A group of European tourists trav- protests. Jayanta Malla Baruah, the head of the Assam elling in a group across India said they now planned to Tourism Development Corp., said the state, home to the cut short their 20 day trip. “We are all retired folks, for us world’s largest concentration of one-horned rhinoceros- travel has to be slow and relaxing. The newspaper head- es, is visited on average by 500,000 tourists during lines have led to a sense of concern and we will leave December. “But this time, due to the ongoing protests sooner than we had planned,” said Dave Millikin, a and travel advisories by various countries, the number is retired banker living on the outskirts of London, who down by 90 percent if not more.” — Reuters AGRA: Tourists visit The Taj Mahal under heavy smog conditions in Agra on Saturday. — AFP

Russia and China-North Korea’s main ally-have proposed and we’ll deal with it very successfully,” Trump said. N Korea’s Kim easing sanctions in a bid to de-escalate tensions. “Everybody’s got surprises for me, but let’s see what hap- pens. I handle them as they come along.” ‘Imminent’ threat But Trump’s former national security advisor John holds top party The ongoing meeting could have Pyongyang announce Bolton-a longtime hawk on North Korea-has sharply criti- “major policy shift” from its previous approach with the cized the president’s handling of the issue, and claimed 50 dead as cold meeting ahead US, said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the South’s that Pyongyang poses an “imminent” threat. The US presi- state-run Korea Institute for National Unification. Earlier dent has invested a huge amount of political capital in his wave sweeps of US deadline this month, North Korean media published pictures of Kim attempt to persuade Kim to end North Korea’s isolation riding a white horse on a sacred mountain, imagery that and give up its nuclear weapons. There has been little through Bangladesh experts said was heavy with symbolism and may indicate a progress, however, after three face-to-face meetings and SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has convened policy announcement. “We’ll find out what the surprise is numerous letter exchanges. — AFP a key meeting of top ruling party officials, state media said DHAKA: At least 50 people have died in Bangladesh as yesterday, ahead of a year-end deadline for Washington to cold weather continues to sweep across the country, shift its stance on stalled nuclear talks. The plenary ses- officials said. The country’s lowest temperature this year sion, which opened on Saturday, follows widespread spec- was recorded at 4.5 degrees Celsius (40.1∞ Fahrenheit) ulation that Pyongyang is preparing to test an interconti- early on Sunday in Tetulia, a border town in nental ballistic missile-as a threatened “Christmas gift” for Bangladesh’s north, the weather office said. At least 17 Washington. people died of acute respiratory infection and 33 from Kim presided over the meeting which discussed a new diarrhoea caused by rotavirus and other diseases across “transparent, anti-imperialist independent stand”, the offi- Bangladesh from Nov. 1 to Dec. 28, said Ayesha Akhter, cial Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. a senior official of the government’s health directorate. The ruling Workers’ Party of Korea will also “discuss Hospitals have been crowded with people suffering important matters arising... in the building of the state and from cold-related illnesses, such as influenza, dehydra- national defense”, KCNA added. Talks on denuclearizing tion and pneumonia, she said. Those on low incomes, the Korean peninsula have been largely deadlocked since particularly laborers, are the worst affected by the cold the second summit between Kim and US President Donald weather because they lack clothes while many others, Trump collapsed in Hanoi at the start of this year. especially children and the elderly people, are prone to The opening of the plenary comes a week after Kim diseases such as pneumonia, Akhter said. held a meeting of top defense officials and discussed The weather office said the cold snap, accompanied boosting military capabilities, and ahead of the leader’s by chilly winds and dense fog, was likely to continue for New Year speech on January 1, a key political set-piece in few more days. Thick fog forced authorities to divert the isolated country. Pyongyang has carried out a series of several flights and delay others, aviation officials said. static tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month, after a “I have no choice. I have to work regardless of the number of weapons launches in recent weeks-some of harsh weather to feed my family,” said Abdur Rahim, a them described as ballistic missiles by Japan and others. rickshaw puller in the capital, Dhaka. “The number of North Korea is under heavy US and United Nations passengers has reduced sharply as people are avoiding sanctions over its nuclear program, but it has been frus- PYONGYANG: This picture taken on December 28, 2019 and released by North Korea’s official Korean going out. It is also getting difficult to pull the rickshaw trated at the lack of relief after it declared a moratorium on Central News Agency (KCNA) yesterday shows the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the as I feel like my body is frozen.” — Reuters nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang. — AFP

Evacuation ordered you’re holidaying in that part of the state, it’s which was broken in half, he said, adding Australia to Temperatures are set to soar again across time you left,” Crisp said, while urging local 7 bodies found that there was nothing to show their large parts of south-eastern Australia, with residents to do the same. nationality. elevated fire danger expected in the lead-up A major music festival was also cancelled Local media said Japanese police and compensate to New Year’s Day. People were ordered to ahead of the forecast extreme weather condi- on suspected coast guard are investigating the case, sus- evacuate Victoria state’s East Gippsland tions, with 9,000 people asked to leave the Falls pecting the vessel departed from North bushfire region yesterday amid concerns three large Festival campsite in Lorne due to the risk of North Korean Korea. So far this year, at least 156 sus- blazes sparked over a month ago could burn bushfires, smoke haze and severe winds. Severe pected North Korean fishing vessels volunteers out of control. thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts are boat in Japan washed up on Japan’s coast or were found Victoria’s Emergency Management commis- predicted for neighboring South Australia state, drifting in Japanese waters, according to sioner Andrew Crisp said the more than where multiple fires are raging and the bushfire the Yomiuri Shimbun. Experts say some SYDNEY: Volunteer firefighters in Australia will 30,000 people in the popular tourist region danger will be extreme in several areas today. TOKYO: The badly decomposed remains of North Korean fishermen are travelling far be offered government compensation after should “leave now”, as fires could force the Firefighters are also bracing for bushfire con- seven people have been found in a suspect- out to sea in order to satisfy government spending extended periods fighting bushfires closure of the last major road still open. ditions to worsen during the week in NSW, ed North Korean fishing boat that washed mandates for bigger catches. raging across the country, authorities “What we’re saying now with the conditions where 95 blazes were burning yesterday, includ- up on a Japanese island, a coast guard offi- But their old and poorly equipped ves- announced yesterday. that will be confronting us tomorrow... is if ing 48 uncontained. — AFP cial said yesterday. The remains were found sels are prone to mechanical and other Rural Fire Service volunteers who have spent on Saturday in a broken vessel on the shore problems, including running out of fuel, and at least 10 days battling blazes in worst-hit New of Sado Island, which lies around 900 kilo- there are few ways for them to call for res- South Wales (NSW) state are immediately eligi- meters (560 miles) from North Korea cue. Some of the boats wash up on ble for the scheme, which offers payments of up across the Sea of Japan. “Five of the bodies Japanese shores with dead crews, called to Aus$300 ($209) per day for a maximum of were identified as men but the remaining “ghosts ships” by local media. Last year, 10 North Koreans rescued Aus$6,000 per person. “While I know RFS vol- two could not be identified” as they were from a tiny wooden boat drifting off north- unteers don’t seek payment for their service, I badly damaged, the official told AFP. ern Japan were deported. In October, don’t want to see volunteers or their families “There have been similar cases but this was the first discovery of bodies in such a around 60 members of a North Korean unable to pay bills, or struggle financially as a fishing boat were rescued in the Sea of result of the selfless contribution they are mak- wrecked boat on this island this year,” the official added. Korean alphabet and num- Japan after it sank following a collision ing,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. “This bers were painted on the wooden hull, with a Japanese patrol vessel. — AFP is not about paying volunteers. It is about sus- taining our volunteer efforts by protecting them from financial loss.” Morrison said the compen- sation scheme would be rolled out across other been swept away by strong currents Australian states and territories if local authori- Two dead, when he was swimming with his ties requested that assistance. friends,” she said. “They run their own shows; they know what 2,500 seek The body of a man in his 40s was their challenges are,” he said of the state gov- found yesterday off the coast of the ernments. main island Viti Levu a day after he was The scheme-which applies only to self- emergency swept away by strong currents when employed volunteers and those working for crossing a river. Another person was in small- and medium-sized businesses-is expect- shelter in Fiji intensive care in hospital after being hit ed to cost about Aus$50 million in NSW, which by a falling tree. boasts the world’s largest volunteer fire service WELLINGTON: Tropical Cyclone Soko said that at the height of the at 70,000 people. Sarai was moving slowly away from Fiji storm, there were 2,538 people packed into 70 evacuation centres although by Volunteers who are also government employ- yesterday, leaving two people dead and Sunday evening 500 had been cleared ees were last week granted additional paid leave more than 2,500 needing emergency to return home. to help fight the blazes. Morrison has come shelter. The cyclone damaged houses, crops and trees, cut power and forced Electricity was restored to 80 per- under increasing pressure in recent weeks over cent of the capital Suva but power com- his response to the bushfire crisis, which has the cancellation of several international flights, stranding holidaymakers visiting pany Energy Fiji Limited said it could killed 10 people, destroyed hundreds of homes the island nation, which is a major take a week to restore supplies to all and scorched more than three million hectares tourist draw. areas of Viti Levu. Sarai, maintaining (7.4 million acres). The prime minister was SYDNEY: A house and van are seen destroyed after bushfires ravaged the town of Bilpin, National Disaster Management winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour forced to apologize for taking a family holiday Office director Vasiti Soko said an 18- (93 miles per hour), was tracking east to Hawaii as Australia battled the bushfires, a 70km west of Sydney yesterday. A heatwave is due to sweep across parts of New South Wales in the coming days, with deteriorating bushfire conditions expected to hit on New year-old student drowned off the island and was expected to pass over Tonga on decision that sparked public outrage and of Kadavu. “The man is believed to have New Year’s Eve. — AFP prompted street protests. Year’s Eve tomorrow. — AFP 10

Monday, December 30, 2019 Analysis

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Christianity Today’s split with Trump highlights deeper issue in white evangelical America

fter evangelical publication Christianity Today published a blistering editorial on what it called ADonald Trump’s “grossly immoral character”, some church leaders and the US president himself denounced the criticism as elitist and out-of-touch. In this file photo taken on Aug 16, 2019, a protester lies unconscious on the ground after being beaten by police near Unity Square in Harare. — AFP The Dec 19 editorial sparked a Christmas holiday debate over religion in US politics, and posed new questions about the close alignment between white evangelical voters and Trump, who has given their beliefs strong political support. However, the coziness with the Republican presi- Zimbabwe journalists suffer as regime tightens grip dent, who was impeached this month by the Democrat- anuel Mapfumo has been unable to lift heavy objects on the independent media. Mugabe was toppled by a mili- arrested alongside a group of rural teachers demonstrating controlled House of Representatives, is exacerbating a since a Zimbabwe police officer fractured his left arm tary putsch in 2017 after 37 years in power, which led for better pay. “A policeman grabbed me by the belt and long-term crisis facing white evangelicalism, some as he was covering a story last August. The 28-year- some of the country’s embattled media professionals to ordered me to join the teachers,” said Munhende, who was Christians say - it is being abandoned by younger gen- F old journalist was filming a banned protest in the capital hope for better days. That optimism was short-lived, how- detained for seven hours. “I produced my accreditation erations. There has been a big drop-off in white evan- Harare when it happened. Opposition supporters were ever. Costa Nkomo, 30, was injured by police officers in card, but he wasn’t interested.” Munhende said an officer gelical church participation among adults under 40, voicing their discontent with the country’s ailing economy January while reporting on a skirmish with unlicensed told him that he needed permission from the police to cov- and publications such as Christianity Today and reli- when police descended on the crowd with batons. street vendors in downtown Harare. “A policeman to whom er the demonstration. “It’s that kind of ignorance of the law gious leaders are struggling to engage “Gen Z”, or Mapfumo, who works for the Zim Morning Post, said they I identified myself as a journalist beat me up,” said Nkomo, that is disturbing,” he added. Munhende never reported those born after 1996. ordered him to stop filming. “I identified myself as a jour- who was filming for a local news site named 263Chat. the incident: He did not trust the police to investigate their “One of the major factors is that the church is too tied nalist,” he told AFP. “But the next thing I remember is Three months later, baton-wielding policemen chased own, he said. up in right-wing politics,” said Greg Carey, a professor being dragged into a group of police officers who beat me one of Nkomo’s colleagues into the 263Chat offices for at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. all over my body.” filming a similar incident. “We managed to push them out ‘All kinds of excuses’ Evangelical activism against gay rights is particularly Rights groups have accused Zimbabwe’s President of the office,” said Nkomo, who took refuge on the bal- “Any journalist who is abused by the police should repellant to many members of a generation where Emmerson Mnangagwa of persistently violating human cony with a dozen fellow reporters. “They retaliated by fir- report the matter,” said police spokesman Paul Nyathi, “everyone has friends who are LGBTQ,” Carey said. rights since he took office in 2018. In August last year six ing a tear gas canister into the office and locking the door adding that perpetrators “should be brought to book”. Trump’s presidency may make the age gap worse, people died after the army used force against civilians from outside.” That incident caused outrage, prompting Nyathi blamed police mistreatment of journalists who had some evangelical Christians believe. “Having to go out protesting a delay in the announcement of election results. the government to promise an investigation. “Our constitu- identified themselves on “operational difficulties”. He and defend this guy day after day, as many of these In January, the army attacked protesters marching against tion guarantees freedom of the media and government added that “so-called freelance journalists” made it diffi- Trump evangelicals are doing, they’re just destroying a hefty fuel price hike, leaving 17 dead. And as respects the constitution,” tweeted the information min- cult for the police to relate to the media. But Moyo at their credibility,” said Napp Nazworth, who until Mnangagwa has tightened his stance on dissent, journal- istry after the incident. MISA, which along with other groups has organized sev- Monday was politics editor of another publication, the ists have also suffered repercussions. “We documented 18 eral meetings with police officers, complained about the Christian Post. cases of abuse of members of the media this year,” said No protection lack of cooperation. Nazworth resigned over the Christian Post’s plans Tabani Moyo, who heads the Media Institute of Southern Government spokesman Nick Mangwana told AFP the “The police will make all kinds of excuses, even when to criticize Christianity Today for its anti-Trump edito- Africa (MISA) - up from only one case in 2018. Most of information ministry had “engaged the police over the (there is) video or picture evidence,” he told AFP. “They rial. He told Reuters many younger evangelicals the incidents involved police officers, he added. issue of safety for journalists”. But he also said police had will move the complainant from pillar to post, saying opposed Trump’s immigration and asylum policies and raised concerns about journalists “causing mayhem” by they are trying to locate the implicated officer. “They were concerned about alleviating poverty, in contrast 263Chat under attack failing to respect safe distances without clearly identifying pretend to be ignorant and incompetent when it suits to older members of the faith. Evangelical leaders The rise of attacks on journalists has brought back themselves. But the press cards issued by the government them,” he added. Mapfumo meanwhile has taken matters standing with Trump “will have no moral authority to memories of the regime under former president Robert to allow reporters to do their job do not always guarantee into his own hands and is now suing the police commis- speak to moral issues of the day after defending him,” Mugabe, whose increasingly despotic rule cracked down protection. In August, journalist Leopold Munhende was sioner general. — AFP Nazworth said.

‘Religiously unaffiliated’ Evangelicalism, like all forms of Christianity in the fuelled its population, which the UN estimates could Living conditions United States, is struggling to attract younger mem- Lagos priced-out double by 2050, and rental prices, according to real Adigun spends the night with more than 20 people in bers, amid an unprecedented surge in recent years of estate experts. a bedless 100-square-foot room facing Tafawa Balewa the number of people identifying as religiously unaffili- residents seek shelter Estate agent Moses Fiarama said that “a lot of the square in the city centre. Morning brings a scramble for ated. White evangelical protestants declined as a pro- houses in Lagos are overpriced”. “If we consider the water to shower, and by 5am the water is often cut off, he portion of the US population between 2006 and 2018, minimum and average wages of the people living in said. While cheaper housing options exist on the main- falling to 15 percent from 23 percent, according to in abandoned buildings Lagos, we can’t say the market for houses is working land, Lagos’s traffic jams can add more than four hours to analysis by the Public Religion Research Institute. properly,” he added. With urban planning far outpaced a daily commute, Adigun explained. When he lived with Higher-than-average voter turnout among evangeli- by the city’s growth, an overabundance of businesses has family in Oworonshoki, northeast of Lagos, he spent dekunle Adigun is gainfully employed as a com- cals means the group still represents more than a quar- packed its island portion, said Oluwatosin Ajani, a Lagos- more than two hours getting to work in the morning. mercial lawyer on Victoria Island in Lagos, yet as ter of the US electorate, but a failure to draw young based financial analyst for BlackHouse Media, a public Tunde Braimoh, a member of the Lagos House he finishes work each day he does not know worshippers means their electoral heft is set to dimin- A relations agency. “The mega-city plan is essentially a Assembly, said that “we are using the bus rapid transit where his home for the night will be. For that, he turns to ish, said Robert P Jones, chief executive and founder of gentrification project,” he said. “The government dis- system to link parts of Lagos that are hard to reach”. “We a man known as Papi, who leases space to Adigun and PRRI. The median age of white evangelicals and white placed a few waterfront communities, people that have are also working on fixing the roads to decongest the city hundreds like him in abandoned and often unfinished Christians overall is 55, according to PRRI data, com- existed in those spaces for generations,” he said. “Of and road systems,” he said in a phone interview. But the buildings in the Lagos Island district - for about 200 pared with 44 for the overall white population. course, there is no home for them.” quality of available housing is a bigger problem, locals naira ($0.65) a night. “It is not ideal and it is a little scary, The evangelical church’s “singular focus” on same Idris Salako, commissioner for the Lagos state min- say, with many reporting settling into deplorable condi- but everybody knows everybody so we are safe,” sex marriage, relationships and abortion is failing to istry for physical planning and urban development, said tions. “Sometimes, when it rains, water leaks from the Adigun, 27, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation as he engage younger generations, said Randall Balmer, a the government wants to make the city “a 21st century walls,” said freelance writer Vivian Nnabue. “Whenever it sorted through bags of clothes in front of a bar. professor of religion at Dartmouth University, and a economy and destination for investment”. “A lot of rains, everybody now knows what to remove - like furni- Despite his professional stature, Adigun’s 40,000 former editor at Christianity Today. They are motivated structures that are uncompleted or abandoned in the ture - and place in strategic places,” she added. naira ($130) monthly pay means he cannot find a perma- by a broader set of issues, he said, adding “in terms of city may be distressed and not fit for habitation,” he The government is trying to improve access to homes nent place to live in Nigeria’s commercial capital. He sexual orientation the younger generation just shrugs said in a phone interview. “Some of them are on through initiatives like an affordable mortgage finance moved to the Lagos megacity of about 20 million people about that.” drainage channels or unoccupied because of high rent scheme. And a spokesman for the housing ministry in in 2017 - which was initially designed to house 6 million or sales value. This government is working to resolve a Alausa said that many structures on the island as well as people. Lagos’s attractive location on a lagoon has only ‘Partisan attack’ lot of the problems.” the mainland were marked for demolition. — Reuters The perhaps unlikely alliance between conservative Christians and the twice-divorced New York real estate developer has been important for Trump in a Ukraine and California. Since his youth he has been active country that is more religious than most other western The panama hat and in the PAIGC, which led the bloody struggle for independ- democracies and where a president’s spiritual life is ence from Portugal in 1974. He became party leader in closely examined. White evangelical Christians over- 2014 and was picked to become prime minister by Vaz whelmingly voted for Trump in 2016, when exit polls the keffiyeh - Guinea who won a presidential election that year. But the two men showed he won 81 percent of their votes. They have quickly fell out over accusations of mismanagement of the mostly stuck with him despite the controversies over Bissau’s contenders country and corruption and he was sacked by Vaz in his harsh attacks on political rivals and demeaning August 2015. comments about women, thanks largely to Trump Pereira led his party to election victory in March this appointing scores of conservative judges who support oters in Guinea-Bissau had a choice between two year but Vas refused to nominate him as prime minister. A restrictions on access to abortion. old political hands in yesterday’s presidential elec- Christian, Pereira is married with three children. He is a Many US evangelicals also strongly support conser- Vtion run-off, although both have very different member of one of the country’s smallest ethnic minorities, vatives in Israel, and hailed Trump’s decision to recog- styles and backgrounds. Here are profiles of the two men: the Kasanga. Before becoming prime minister, he served nize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US as minister of public works in 2004-2005. He also led the Domingos Simoes Pereira Umaro Sissoco Embalo embassy there. Trump, who describes himself as Domingos Simoes Pereira Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) Presbyterian and whose advisors include evangelical Former prime minister Pereira has been politically between 2008 and 2012. figures such as Florida televangelist Paula White, dis- active since his youth but this is his first run for the top the debate the multilingual candidate spoke in Portuguese missed Christianity Today as “far left”. A group of nearly Creole, which is spoken by a large part of the population. office in Guinea-Bissau, a country with a turbulent history Umaro Sissoco Embalo 200 leaders from the conservative wing of evangelical- of coups since independence. Known throughout the He hopes to bank on the support of the main candidates Embalo is a reserve brigadier general who wears a red- ism defended him in a letter to the magazine, praising country by his initials “DSP” - and his Panama hat - the who were eliminated in the first round, including Vaz. and-white Arab keffiyeh headdress and is pitching himself the president for seeking the advice of “Bible-believing 56-year-old Pereira is a former ally of outgoing President Born in the capital city Bissau, Embalo is a member of as a unifier of the nation. He is also a former prime minister, Christians and patriotic Americans”. — Reuters Jose Mario Vaz but now his fiercest critic. the Fulani ethnic group, and he studied social and political under Vaz between 2016 and 2018, but now represents Pereira, leader of the African Party for the science in Spain and Portugal. He is a football fan, and sup- Madem, a party formed by PAIGC rebels. The 47-year-old Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), scored ports Belgian team Standard Liege. He sought early retire- just over 40 percent of the vote in the first round in who is nicknamed “The General” trailed Pereira in the first ment from the army in the 1990s, and got involving in busi- November, well ahead of his rival Umaro Sissoco Embalo. round of voting with just under 28 percent, but has come ness, including an investment fund set up by the regime of All articles appearing on this page are the In the campaign’s only televised debate this week, he por- out fighting. In Thursday’s debate, he hit back at Pereira’s ousted Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. In October, personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait trayed himself as the candidate of virtue and good man- allegations, accusing his rival of “dipping into the state’s Prime Minister Aristide Gomes of the PAIGC, accused him coffers” to finance his election campaign and lashing the Times takes no responsibility for views agement, and accused Embalo of illegally financing his of plotting a coup, charges Embalo denied. “I’m not a ban- campaign from abroad. “The money which you are bring- PAIGC for mismanaging the economy. Embalo says he is a dit and I never get involved in subversive actions. Those expressed therein. ing into the country isn’t going through legal channels,” he “Muslim married to a Christian”, and like Pereira, he is the who know me know that I am not violent,” he told AFP at charged. A civil engineer by training, Pereira studied in father of three children. To burnish his credentials, during the time. — AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019 Business

US-China trade war drags into A year full of international awards Musk sees people-moving Las 122020, CBs cut interest rates 13 and recognitions for Boubyan Bank 14 Vegas tunnel opening in 2020

DUBAI: A picture taken on December 25, 2019 shows the skyline of Dubai with Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. —AFP Dubai to spend record $18.1bn to revive economy Emirate hopes Dubai Expo to bring $17.5bn in revenues

DUBAI: Dubai unveiled a 2020 budget Dubai is the only government in the Gulf Emaar Properties is selling the observa- Building and nearly three times the height faced a slowing real estate market for most yesterday projecting record spending of not dependent on hydrocarbon revenues, tion decks of the world’s tallest skyscraper of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. of the decade. It set up a real estate plan- $18.1 billion, up 17 percent on this year, as and projects around 94 percent of income the Burj Khalifa, four sources told Reuters, At The Top is a popular tourist destina- ning commission in September to regulate it seeks to revive its flagging economy. The to come from non-oil sources. Dubai is potentially raising $1 billion for Dubai’s tion in Dubai, which attracted 15.92 million projects and avoid competition between Gulf city state expects revenues too to rise renowned for its skyscrapers, like the biggest developer amid a real estate down- overnight visitors in 2018. The viewing semi-government and private firms. sharply next year as it hosts Expo 2020, world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, but turn. Two of the sources said Emaar had decks make about 600-700 million Emaar has been divesting hospitality the global six-month trade fair set to open its key property sector has been sliding appointed Standard Chartered to advise it dirhams ($163-$191 million) a year, a bank- related assets to finance existing opera- on October 20. since 2014. on the sale of the popular “At The Top” ing source said. A financial source estimat- tions and expansion, an industry source But it still foresees a deficit for the Last year, growth slowed to 1.94 percent, tourist attraction. ed they could be worth around $1 billion. and a Dubai-based banker said. Emaar fourth year in a row of $700 million. The less half the 2017 figure and the worst in a Emaar, in which the Dubai government The sales process began in November, hired Standard Chartered earlier this year government is hoping that Expo will draw decade. It picked up slightly to 2.1 percent has a minority stake of 29.2%, and both of these sources said, declining to be for the sale of its district cooling business, some 25 million visitors, many of them in the first half of this year but the govern- Standard Chartered declined to comment. named as the deal is not public. and last year for the disposal of five hospi- from abroad, and is projecting a 25 per- ment is keen to do more to stimulate con- At over 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is Dubai is a regional hub for tourism, for- tality assets, which were sold to Abu Dhabi cent increase in revenues to $17.4 billion. sumer spending and the real estate market. twice as tall as New York’s Empire State eign trade and business services, but has National Hotels. —Agencies

Poverty and inequality Lost decades of growth Sixty years on, The proportion of Africa’s population living below Growth in Africa slammed to a halt in the early 1980s, the poverty line-less than $1.90 (1.7 euros) per day-fell braked by a debt crisis and structural adjustment policies. from 54.7 percent in 1990 to 41.4 percent in 2015, It took two decades to recover. Per-capita GDP, as meas- Africa still seeks according to the World Bank. But this average masks ured in constant US dollars, shows the up-and-downs, enormous differences from one country to another, although these figures are official and do not cover exemplified by Gabon (3.4 percent of the population in Africa’s large informal economy: $1,112 in 1960, $1,531 in right model 2017) and Madagascar (77.6 percent in 2012). “The 1974, $1,166 in 1994 and $1,657 in 2018. inequalities between countries are as extreme as in Asia “If you do an assessment over 60 years, something for growth and the inequalities within countries as high as in Latin serious happened in Africa, with the loss of 20 years. But America, where landless peasants coexist with huge there is no denying that what is happening now is more PARIS: As 1960 dawned, sub-Saharan Africa braced for landowners,” said Togolese economist Kako Nubukpo. positive,” Cottet said. historic change: that year, 17 of its countries were des- Christophe Cottet, an economist at the French The IMF’s and World Bank’s structural adjustment tined to gain independence from European colonial pow- Development Agency (AFD), pointed out that inequality programs “broke the motors of growth,” said Nubukpo, ers. But six decades on, the continent is mired in many in Africa is “very poorly measured.” “There are notably whose book, “L’Urgence Africaine,” (The African Africa’s population grew from 227 million in 1960 to more problems. It is struggling to build an economic model no figures on inequalities of inherited wealth, a key Emergency) makes the case for a revamped growth mod- than one billion in 2018 and more than 60 per cent are aged that encourages enduring growth, addresses poverty and issue in Africa.” el. The belt-tightening programs “emphasized the short under 25. —Reuters provides a future for its youth. term, to the detriment of investments in education, health Mega-cities and countryside and training.” Here are some of the key issues: Recent decades have seen the expansion of megaci- be able to go on distributing their products.” Youth ‘explosion’ ties like Lagos and Kinshasa, typically ringed by shan- New thinking needed Africa’s population grew from 227 million in 1960 to tytowns where people live in extreme poverty, Africa has a low rate of industrialization, is heavily Governance problem more than one billion in 2018. More than 60 percent are although many medium-sized cities have also grown. dependent on agriculture and its service sector has only Lack of democracy, transparency and efficient judicial aged under 25, according to the Brookings Institution, a More than 40 percent of Africans now live in urban recently started to emerge. “We have not escaped the systems are major brakes on African growth, and wealth US think tank. “The most striking change for me is the areas, compared with 14.6 percent in 1960, according colonial model. Basically, Africa remains a producer and is concentrated in the hands of a few, said the experts. Of increasing reality of disaffected youth... a younger popu- to the World Bank. exporter of raw materials,” said Nubukpo. the 40 states deemed last year to be the most world’s lation that is ready to explode at any moment,” In 1960, Cairo and Johannesburg were the only He gave the example of cotton: 97 percent of Africa’s most corrupt countries, 20 are in sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroonian sociologist Francis Nyamnjoh said. African cities with more than a million residents. cotton fiber is exported without processing-the phase according to Transparency International. “Africa is not “They are hungry for political freedoms, they are hun- Consultants McKinsey and Company estimate that by which adds value to raw materials and provides jobs. For developing because it is caught in the trap of private gry for economic opportunities and they are hungry for 2030, about 100 cities will have a million inhabitants, Jean-Joseph Boillot, a researcher attached to the French wealth and the top wealth holders are African leaders,” social fulfilment .” Joblessness is a major peril. Unemployed twice as many as in Latin America. But this urban Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, “Africa is said Nubukpo. youths are an easy prey for armed groups, particularly growth is not necessarily the outcome of a rural exo- still seeking an economic model of development.” “We must promote democracy, free and transparent jihadist movements in the Sahel, or may be tempted to risk dus, said Cottet. “The population is rising across “There is very little development of local industries,” elections to have legitimate leaders who have the public clandestine emigration, often at the cost of their lives. Africa as a whole, rather faster in towns than in rural he said. “This can only be achieved through a very strong interest at heart, which we absolutely do not have.” The continent’s population is expected to double by areas,” said Cottet. approach, of continental industrial protection-but this is Nyamnjoh also pointed to marginalized groups-”There 2050, led by Nigeria, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic “There is also the problem of unemployment in towns undermined by the great powers in order to pursue free should be more room for inclusivity of voices, including of Congo (DRC). — (rural) people have little interest in migrating there.” trade. “The Chinese, the Indians and Westerners want to voices of the young, voices of women.” —AFP 12 Established 1961 Business Monday, December 30, 2019

NBK Money Markets Report US-China trade war drags into 2020, CBs cut interest rates Brexit uncertainties to continue

KUWAIT: This year is best illustrated by major cen- Equities globally had a great run this year, with tral banks cutting their interest rates to deal with the tech rallies being the leader as Nadaq posted a year- slowdown driven by a trade war and a subsequent to-date gain of 36 percent followed by the S&P 500 decline in manufacturing. The Federal Reserve started by 29.24 percent and Dow Jones 22.69 percent. rate hikes before 2019, allowing room to loosen amid European stocks also had a similar move with Euro the weakest year growth-wise since the 2008 finan- Stoxx 50 increased by 26.06 percent while the FTSE cial crisis. Others, such as the European Central Bank, 100 of the UK had the least amongst developed mar- found themselves in a more difficult position and kets with political uncertainties throughout 2019 had were forced to cut benchmark rates further below a modest 13.82 percent gain. zero. Looking ahead, 2020 seems like a quieter year in terms of monetary policy. Fiscal policies will take ECB to stay on hold in 2020 time to take effect, and growth prospects are looking The European Central Bank, with its newly brighter since two of the biggest hurdles constraining appointed President Christine Lagarde, has pledged the world economy have somewhat been cleared: the to step up stimulus again if needed. Policy makers are US-China trade war, and the UK’s exit from the EU. continuously pointing to detrimental side effects of Hammering business confidence for most of 2019, the ECB’s negative deposit, such as squeezed bank the US-China trade deal finally seems to provide profitability and risks to financial stability. Moving some clarity. Most economists have factored in some forward, major expectations are for rates to stay on kind of phase-one agreement, followed by stability as hold and QE to continue through the whole of 2020 markets and companies regain confidence. At the and even beyond. Following the trend of major central very least, an agreement would calm down predic- banks, the Central Bank may be tested again if the tions of dire scenarios which were contemplated just economy falters under trade uncertainties or the months ago. Still, the phase one deal leaves some bloc’s manufacturing meltdown fails to improve and complicated issues unresolved. This leaves an open spills into the services sector. door for further clashes between the world’s two largest economies as Trump approaches reelection Will the UK finally exit the EU in 2020? season in November. The UK’s exit from the EU has now dragged on for US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has more than three years, and the possibility for fresh left no doubt that interest rates are on a prolonged uncertainty may emerge. Prime Minister Boris hold, saying the current stance “likely will remain Johnson secured a sweeping election victory for his appropriate” unless the Fed’s favorable outlook for Conservative Party, meaning Britain is now set to the economy sees a need for reassessment. Policy leave the EU on January 31st. Following the January makers kept interest rates steady at 1.5%-1.75% in deadline, the transition period begins and is meant to their last meeting following three consecutive cuts. conclude by the end of 2020 where the UK will offi- cially leave the EU’s framework and become truly FX markets and equities independent. PM Johnson passed a Withdrawal On the FX front, the dollar index traded in a narrow Agreement Bill which makes it unlawful for the gov- range this week as thin trading was the main theme in ernment to extend talks beyond December 2020. This considered positive if it were not for Johnson claiming steep drop to a low of 1.2894 just within December. FX markets. Nevertheless, as the holiday’s ended on leaves the UK back where it started, with fears of a he will deliver at any cost. The GBP/USD pair has Friday, the dollar index dipped to one week low of hard-Brexit resurfacing. The fact that the UK traded in extremely volatile nature nearing the end of Kuwaiti dinar 97.264 as the euro surged to 2-week high of 1.1188. Parliament finally passed the deal should have been this year, reaching a high of 1.3514 followed by a USD/KWD opened at 0.30315 yesterday morning.

Sudan to defer Burgan Bank lifting of fuel announces winners subsidies KHARTOUM: Sudan’s transitional government is to postpone lifting fuel subsidies, initially planned as part of Yawmi draw of the 2020 budget, the information minister said on KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the Saturday. Finance minister Ibrahim Elbadawi had said names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi on Friday the fuel subsidies will be gradually removed. account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of KD But the government met on Saturday with the former 5,000. opposition which helped bring down veteran ruler Omar al-Bashir in April and agreed to not implement The lucky winners are: the decision until a conference in March where eco- 1. Suhaila Ali Kuraimayan nomic reforms will be discussed, information minister 2. Mohammed Abdullah Nasser Alhouti Faisal Saleh told Reuters. 3. Sultan Mohammad Methker Almutairi “In light of the decisions of this conference will be 4. Hamaida Abbas Mohammed Alghdban determined the economic policies of the country, 5. Faisal Awad Zaher Alazemi including policies regarding commodity subsidies,” In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also Saleh said. The removal of fuel subsidies is sensitive as offers a quarterly draw with more chances to win it would hit a population suffering for years from eco- higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky nomic crisis and high inflation. customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. Sudan’s transitional authorities face the tough task The Yawmi Account offers daily and quarterly of turning around an economy wrecked by three draws, wherein the quarterly draw requires cus- decades of mismanagement under the rule of Bashir, who the military ousted in April after months of street KHARTOUM: Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdock flashes the victory sign during a ceremony marking tomers to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 the first anniversary of the uprising that toppled Omar Al-Bashir, in Khartoum on December 25. —AFP in their account for two months prior to the draw protests. Complicating Sudan’s recovery is its inclusion date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will on the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism. entitle customers to one chance of winning. If the That designation has so far blocked Sudan from tap- opposition and protest groups. Finance Minister Elbadawi, a former World Bank economist, told account balance is KD 500 and above, the account ping the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Ibrahim Elbadawi said on Friday the transitional gov- Reuters in November that public salaries would need to holder will be qualified for both the quarterly and for support. ernment plans to remove fuel subsidies gradually in be increased and a social support network established daily draws. Sudan’s transitional cabinet of technocrats was 2020. He also said public sector salaries would be dou- to prepare for the painful removal of fuel and food sub- Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a formed by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in bled to ease the impact of galloping inflation. sidies. He said Sudan would need up to $5 billion in Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to maxi- September after a power-sharing deal was reached The decision to suspend the lifting of subsidies was budget support to avert economic collapse and launch mize their chances of becoming a winner. The higher between the Transitional Military Council that took made after Hamdok, Elbadawi and other ministers met reforms. Hamdok, an economist, told Reuters in the level of the deposit, the higher the likelihood to win. over after Bashir’s overthrow and the Forces of with FFC representatives, Saleh told Reuters on November cash transfers were one scenario discussed Freedom and Change (FFC), a coalition of former Saturday. to offset a cut in food and other subsidies.—Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 74.320 Asia Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. US Dollar Transfer 304.000 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 43.805 Bangladesh Taka 0.002942 0.003743 Chinese Yuan 0.042078 0.045578 Euro 343.060 Thai Bhat 11.060 Turkish Lira 51.605 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037060 0.039810 Sterling Pound 401.130 Indian Rupee 0.003578 0.004350 ASIAN COUNTRIES Singapore dollars 223.191 Canadian dollar 234.300 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 Japanese Yen 2.779 Turkish lira 52.410 Japanese Yen 0.002693 0.002873 Indian Rupees 4.268 Swiss Franc 315.030 Korean Won 0.000252 0.000267 Pakistani Rupees 1.971 US Dollar Buying 296.700 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.069617 0.075617 Srilankan Rupees 1.671 Nepalese Rupee 0.002621 0.002961 Nepali Rupees 2.659 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.001322 0.002092 Singapore Dollar 226.700 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Europe Philippine Peso 0.005904 0.006204 Hongkong Dollar 39.047 British Pound 0.391581 0.405481 Singapore Dollar 0.219467 0.229467 Bangladesh Taka 3.552 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Czech Korune 0.005327 0.014627 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001316 0.001896 Philippine Peso 6.010 US Dollar 303.940 Danish Krone 0.041450 0.046450 Taiwan 0.010112 0.010292 Thai Baht 10.112 Canadian Dollar 231.695 Euro 0. 333303 0.347003 Thai Baht 0.009745 0.010295 Vietnamese Dong 0.00013 0.000013 Malaysian Ringgit 77.749 Sterling Pound 396.935 Georgian Lari 0.114023 114023 Euro 338.295 Hungarian 0.001146 0.001336 Arab GCC COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 301.070 Norwegian Krone 0.030444 0.035644 Bahrain Dinar 808.290 Bahraini Dinar 0.800220 0.808270 Saudi Riyal 81.121 Romanian Leu 0.065123 0.081973 Egyptian Pound 0.018913 0.021653 UAE Dirhams 83.155 Qatari Riyal 83.551 Russian Ruble 0.004932 0.004932 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 ani Riyal 790.123 Qatari Riyals 84.390 Slovakia 0.009081 0.019081 Iraqi Dinar 0.000199 0.000259 Bahraini Dinar 807.760 Saudi Riyals 81.945 Swedish Krona 0.028543 0.033543 Jordanian Dinar 0.422786 0.431786 UAE Dirham 82.823 Jordanian Dinar 429.975 Swiss Franc 0.306037 0.317037 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound 18.991 Lebanese Pound 0.000103 0.000253 ARAB COUNTRIES Sri Lankan Rupees 1.678 Australasia Moroccan Dirhams 0.021148 0.045148 Egyptian Pound - Cash 22.350 Indian Rupees 4.271 Australian Dollar 0.204462 0.216462 Omani Riyal 0.784483 0.792375 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.971 Pakistani Rupees 1.690 New Zealand Dollar 0.197241 0.206741 Qatar Riyal 0.082845 0.083679 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.221 Bangladesh Taka 3.551 Saudi Riyal 0.079980 0.081280 Syrian Pound 0.001289 0.001509 Tunisian Dinar 110.140 Philippines Pesso 5.984 America Tunisian Dinar 0.104101 0.112101 Jordanian Dinar 428.920 Cyprus pound 18.085 Canadian Dollar 0.227414 0.236414 Turkish Lira 0.044582 0.054427 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.203 Japanese Yen 3.775 US Dollars 0.299900 0.304450 Syrian Pound 1.590 UAE Dirhams 0.082135 0.082961 Syrian Lira 0.000 US Dollars Mint 0.300400 0.304450 Yemeni Riyal 0.000988 0.001068 Morocco Dirham 32.135 Nepalese Rupees 2.662 Established 1961 13 Business Monday, December 30 , 2019 A year full of international awards and recognitions for Boubyan Bank

International and regional institutions confirm Boubyan Bank’s excellence in local market

Abdullah Al-Mehri, the Acting Chief Operations Officer receiving Best Humanitarian Initiative in the Region Abdulla Al-Tuwaijri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer receiving Service Hero Award

KUWAIT: As this year approaches its end, Boubyan Bank cel- ebrates a remarkable year, which was full of achievements and as one of the contributors to the growth of the banking industry Audit Group Award in Kuwait and the GCC. The award was successes that qualified it to receive many international and in Kuwait and the region as a whole. received in the Conference on (Leading Practices in Internal regional awards in addition to being recognized by many global Al-Majed’s chapter with Boubyan Bank is a success story Audit “Award Category - Governance, Risk and Control”) dur- institutions that are renowned for their fairness and strength. where he reversed the loss position of the bank to a profit posi- ing the 19th annual internal audit regional conference, held in During the celebration of its 15th anniversary and marking tion while multiplying the bank’s market share in various sectors, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. The bank made another making Boubyan the bank of choice among the Kuwaiti youth 10 years of continuous achievements in 2019, Boubyan Bank has achievement by being named the “Fastest Growing Visa coupled with its excellence in digital banking. received over 20 regional and international awards this year Portfolio” Award in Kuwait in 2018, thereby continuing in the that reconfirmed its excellence and merit to be the fastest and path of receiving global and regional recognition due to the strongest growing bank in Kuwait. Remarkable Awards Moreover, Boubyan Bank has received the Best Internal growth and development of the bank . The Best Globally Were it easy to achieve local or even regional achievements, achieving international ones seems to be a true challenge that Boubyan Bank managed to overcome through being awarded Global Finance’s award for the World’s Best Islamic Digital Bank for the fifth year in a row. The most significant aspect of this award is placing Boubyan Bank, being an Arab Islamic bank, in the ranks of top banks, which is a new achievement for Kuwaiti banks in particular, and Kuwait’s banking and financial sector in general. The world’s Al-Majed receiving Best Islamic Bank in Washington best banks list also includes the international Citibank and Standard Chartered. Customer Service as a Country Winner, for the fourth time in Boubyan Bank has also earned a number of awards this year addition to being named the Best Islamic Bank in Customer in this area, including Global Finance’s awards, namely, the Best Service for the ninth year in a row since 2010. Boubyan’s Islamic Digital Bank in the Middle East, the Best Islamic Digital choice by Service Hero relied on a group of criteria they fol- Bank in Kuwait, the Best Mobile Banking App, the Most lowed during the survey, which extended over one year among Innovative Digital Bank, and the Best Innovation in IMAL consumers who evaluated companies on a scale of 10 against Technology. their service-level expectations, their experience and their sat- In its report about the selection criteria for naming Boubyan isfaction following the customer-service experience. the best in Kuwait for many years, Global Finance referred to such criteria as: - The Best Humanitarian Initiative • Strength of strategy set by the bank for attracting and Furthermore, Boubyan Bank’s initiative, Noor Boubyan for servicing digital customers. eyesight-restoration operations in Africa, was a major achieve- • Success in getting clients to use digital offerings. ment as it was named the Best Social Humanitarian Initiative at • Growth of customers who use digital banking services the GCC level this year due to the initiative’s success over three through their various channels, whether through online banking years during which over 8,000 people had their eyesight or smart phones. already restored in various African countries through previous • Innovation and creativity in providing outstanding banking campaigns conducted with the participation of a number of and non-banking services via electronic channels. Kuwaiti ophthalmologists and volunteers from the bank and The Second Highest Credit Rating in Kuwait other cooperating bodies. Furthermore, Boubyan Bank has made a new achievement, The initiative, which is organized annually by the bank in adding to its other successes, as Standard & Poor’s Global rat- cooperation with the International Islamic Charitable ing agency has confirmed its Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating at Organization and Al-Darayn Volunteer Team, succeeded, thanks “A/Stable”, thereby ranking the bank as the second highest to Almighty Allah, in giving hope back to thousands of those credit rating among local banks. S&P’s rationale for the rating who lost their eyesight. It also supported them in their lives as noted Boubyan Bank as the fifth largest bank in Kuwait, with a by restoring their eyesight, they managed to continue their lives solid retail franchise, good market position, strong capitalization normally. as well as exhibiting good profitability. The Highest National Manpower Ratio The Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait In 2019, Boubyan Bank has added a new achievement by For the first time in Kuwait, two international institutions, receiving the Award for the “Replacement and Nationalization namely, Global Finance and The Banker, agree on naming of Manpower” for the fifth year in a row atop the Banking Boubyan Bank the Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait in 2019 due to Sector in Kuwait. This award is given for institutions with a high the progress it achieved across various financial indicators and national manpower percentage. This achievement is the fruit of the growth of its market shares. In their reports about the the bank’s keenness on adopting the latest talent development selection criteria for choosing Boubyan Bank, they stated that programs in developing its human resources as well as the tire- the bank managed during a relatively short period to make less and continuous efforts over the past years which were great leaps in growing its financial indicators, especially its mar- crowned by succeeding in increasing the percentage of national ket shares, in one of the most competitive markets in the region. manpower in the bank to reach 77.2 percent. This makes the Boubyan Bank has already announced KD 45 million in net bank an example of the Kuwaiti private sector which succeeds profits until the end of September, at a growth rate of 12 percent in attracting the best national cadres. compared with the comparative period of the past year, while This percentage is not only one of the highest percentages the earning per share amounts to 15.25 fils compared with 14.20 at the level of local banks but also at the level of the Kuwaiti pri- fils for the comparative period of 2018. The market share, in vate sector where the bank stands as an example of successful financing, increased generally to approximately 9 percent in the local manpower recruitment and development in addition to meantime, while Boubyan Bank’s share of the retail finance creating excellent job opportunities in the region. increased specifically to approximately 12 percent. Besides, the bank has recorded outstanding growth rates in the corporate Honoring the CEO credit portfolio which stood at 16 percent. This was achieved by In addition to the awards received by the bank, the Arab attracting a number of operational companies known for their Economic Forum has honored Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed, financial and economic creditworthiness while continuing to Chairman of Kuwait Banking Association, and Vice-Chairman & maintain the highest standards of credit quality, studying and Chief Executive Officer of Boubyan Bank, in its 27th session diversifying risks. held in Beirut last May, owing to his great and remarkable con- tributions during his career which spanned over 3 decades in Staying Atop the Customer Service Pyramid the banking business. Al-Majed was honored in recognition of Boubyan Bank has continued to top the pyramid of customer his contributions to the Kuwaiti Banking Sector over more than service in Kuwait in 2019, supported by earning two awards 35 years at the National Bank of Kuwait and Boubyan Bank in from Service Hero, the international consumer-driven customer addition to his role in the Kuwait Banking Association where he satisfaction index. The bank received the First Place Award in assumes the current Chairman’s position, and as he is regarded

Al-Hariri and Madbouly honor Al-Majed during the Arab Economic Forum 14 Established 1961 Business Monday, December 30, 2019 Musk sees people-moving Las Vegas tunnel opening in 2020 A mile-long tunnel seen as a traffic-busting alternative

SAN FRANCISCO: A nearly mile-long tunnel in Las pressure tubes at high Vegas meant to showcase a “traffic busting” alterna- speeds. tive for overcrowded cities should be completed next He aspires eventually to year, innovative entrepreneur Elon Musk said on build such a system linking Twitter. The people-moving tunnel is being built by Washington and New York The Boring Company, one of several future-oriented along the busy US enterprises founded by Musk, along with the Tesla Northeast corridor; he has electric-car company and SpaceX, which develops also proposed projects for launch vehicles. Chicago and Los Angeles. The 48-year-old billionaire tweeted late Friday that Musk’s company last year “Boring Co is completing its first commercial tunnel in showed reporters a new Vegas, going from Convention Center to Strip.” In a test tunnel in California, second tweet he said it would be “hopefully fully but Las Vegas is Boring’s operational in 2020.” The Las Vegas convention cen- first paying customer. ter is a sprawling complex being further enlarged-the The cost of the tunnel, Elon Musk 0.8-mile (1.3 kilometer) tunnel would facilitate travel originally estimated to be within the center and to the city’s famous Strip, where as low as $35 million, has since risen to $52.5 million, many of its major hotels and casinos are located. according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Musk Las Vegas officials selected The Boring Company in hopes Boring’s people-moving technology will help March to design, build and manage twin tunnels capa- revolutionize urban transit in an ever more crowded ble of transporting passengers in small, autonomous world. He says the idea came to him as he sat in grow- vehicles, each holding eight to 16 passengers. ing frustration in his car, stuck in a traffic jam between his pricey villa in Bel Air, California and the SpaceX City-to-city travel offices in Hawthorne, south of Los Angeles. The South Africa-born Musk, who is known for He envisions thousands of autonomous electric original and sometimes fanciful thinking, has long vehicles eventually moving millions of people under- advocated a futuristic underground train system, ground at speeds up to 155 miles per hour (250 kph) The people-moving tunnel is being built by The Boring Company, one of several future-oriented enterprises called the Hyperloop, that would allow passenger cap- — far higher than the moderate 35 mph speeds founded by Musk, along with the Tesla electric-car company and SpaceX, which develops launch vehicles. sules on Tesla-built chassis to move through low- planned for the short Las Vegas link. —AFP

Gulf Bank AUB reveals winner holds mobile of KD 250,000 prize photography training workshop in Al-Hassad Islamic KUWAIT: Gulf Bank organized a mobile photography training workshop in col- program draw laboration with mobile accessories store, Lujain Al-Qenaei Cavaraty. The workshop, titled KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank announced on the “Mobileography,” took place on 25th of December 2019 the KD 250,000 winner of especially for various social media chan- Saturday at the Symphony Style Hotel in nels. Commenting on the workshop, its grand quarterly draw of Al-Hassad Islamic Salmiya, and was led by photography account as Bader Habeb Alawad. The draw was Lujain Al-Qenaei, Assistant Manager for experts Abdullah AlShaije and External Communications at Gulf Bank, live on FM 88.8 Kuwait Pulse. Al Hassad Islamic Abdulrahman Al-Ebdah. account which has over 850 prizes, over a 12 said: “At Gulf Bank, we are constantly Gulf Bank offered interested clients working to encourage young Kuwaiti month period and is the very first draw account in an exclusive discount to register for the talent. Providing our youth with the tools Islamic banking in Kuwait that has reshaped the workshop. The workshop aimed to to further their self-development goes lives of thousands lucky winners. enhance participants’ photography skills, hand in hand with promoting the growth Ebdah, and provided a theoretical and entrepreneurs in the coming period.” On the occasion Ahli United Bank congratulates which are now more important than ever of their commercial projects and, in turn, practical training for participants, who Gulf Bank is proud of its continuous its winning customer, and commented that there for owners of small businesses and the growth of the Kuwaiti economy. The also received gifts and certificates of support to the local community, and par- are many chances to win waiting for our cus- young entrepreneurs. By improving workshop was held in collaboration with participation. We look forward to pro- ticipates in many social responsibility tomers. The draws are held every Wednesday at these skills, entrepreneurs can go on to Cavaraty and photography experts viding more of these training workshops initiatives throughout the year aimed at AUB Kuwait or AUB Bahrain depending on the create successful marketing content, Abdullah Al-Shaije and Abdulrahman Al- that aim to benefit the youth and local empowering various members of society. draw plan. On public holidays, the draw is post- poned to the next business day. Al-Hassad Islamic Account presents 4 quarterly adjusting all the settings needed to make it a perfect shot. mega prizes of KD 250,000 that will help the How to make your You can also make sure that every moment is captured lucky winners achieve their dreams and aspira- during a night out because the Huawei nova 5T shines in tions. In addition, Al-Hassad Islamic Account pres- low-light photography, so every moment is captured with ents a monthly draw to win a prize of KD 100,000. social media stand bright and vivid colors. One powerful new aspect of the Al-Hassad Meanwhile profile shots do play a big role, which is Islamic Account is the prize draws on the holy out with Huawei nova where the Huawei nova 5T’s 2MP depth bokeh lens shines. occasion of both Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, when Using complex AI algorithms, now all you need to do is the winning customers will receive the eid prizes of have your model pose and click, for a stunning shot com- KD 100,000 each. May the Eid always bring pros- 5T’s 5 AI cameras plete with a blurred background for that professional pho- perity and blessings to the Islamic nation. toshoot feel. KUWAIT: In today’s era of smartphones and digital lives, Al-Hassad Islamic Account presents also21 Your options for creative shots don’t end there! With social media has grown to become an important factor in our weekly prizes comprised of a grand prize of KD the Huawei nova 5T’s 2MP macro camera, you can get up day to day lives. While the core purpose of these platforms is 10,000, 20 prizes of KD 1,000 each. In addition to close for artistic images of nature, jewelry and more, to share our prized memories with friends and family, today adding a whole new dimension to your social media profile. the highly attractive package of the prizes, there you are able to share professional-grade images and videos will be the annual expected profits on, which across social media platforms. Thanks to modern smart- Create movie-quality videos makes the Al Hassad account a useful tool for fam- phones and a wide variety of apps, people today have access ily and other savings, both for the short term and Video content is all the rage today. Not only does it test to completely original ways to showcase their memories. the creativity of the creator, but it also provides the oppor- Selfie Superstar camera upfront, all you have to do is fit for the longer term - a fact which well appreciated While social media platforms are filled with a wide vari- yourself in the frame, smile and click away. You can rest by a large multitude of new and old customers. tunity to grab the attention of those scrolling past their ety of photos and videos, what if there was a way to make feed. Keeping the importance of video content in mind, it easy knowing that your selfies will be of the best quality, It is worth mentioning that there is possibility your social media stand out from the rest? With the Huawei especially since the on-board AI will adjust all the settings to open the account online for non-customers. In simply cannot be grainy, bland or downright low in quality. nova 5T and its 5 AI powered cameras, it is easier than you With the Huawei nova 5T you can let your inner direc- for you, even in poorly lit situations. addition Al-Hassad customers can issue an ATM think. Here is how! If you want to ace your social media presence then the immediately and have the freedom to deposit and tor run free, by using the powerful camera hardware to shoot some of the highest quality videos. Step it up a notch Huawei nova 5T is sure to help. Apart from its premium withdraw any time. To be eligible to participate Use the 5 AI powered cameras to take stunning pictures camera hardware, you can also take advantage of its flag- in the draw, the customer should have a minimum with beautiful effects where only your subject will have While it is a given when it comes to photo and video color in a grayscale background or even dramatic slow- ship-grade performance to ensure that both your social balance of KD 100, whereby the customer has based social media platforms, the quality of your photos motion shots. media browsing and content creation are super smooth. two chances to participate, with a maximum of and videos matter. Be it a simple group photo or even an If that’s not enough, you can take it into the AI Movie Thanks to the Kirin 980, one of Huawei’s fastest chipsets, 30,000 chances per draw, in addition to annual artsy scenic shot, your photos and videos need to be of the Editor, where complex editing is done with just a few taps. paired with 8GB of RAM you are assured performance lev- profits for all participants. Every KD 50 invested best quality to make your social media platform shine. However, for your social media, you can take advantage of els on par with most premium flagships. You can also go for at least 15 days entitles the customer to one With the Huawei nova 5T, this is not really a hard chal- the Spotlight Reel feature, which figures out key moments ahead and take as many pictures and videos as you want, chance in the each draw. The longer the customer lenge. Thanks to its quad camera setup with the power of in your video and compiles it together, complete in a fancy thanks to the 128GB of storage that is readily available. keeps his balance the bigger the changes of par- AI, the photos and videos you take are automatically tuned montage with music playing in the background, ready to Additionally, The Huawei Nova 5T is powered by ticipation in the draw. to have perfect results. All you have to do is point and click share on social media platforms. Android and allows users full and ongoing access to their and the phone will do the rest of the work with the help of favorite applications. To top it off, extended periods of use the powerful AI system. Don’t forget about the selfies! are taken care of as well with the 3750mAh battery which For example, if you want to take a photo of a few plants Social media is filled with selfies, which is all the more can be rapidly charged back up thanks to the 22.5W or even your beloved pet, then all you have to do is get reason why your selfies need to be of the best quality to Huawei SuperCharge feature, making it the perfect phone ABK wishes everyone them in the frame and the on-board AI will recognize it, stand out from the rest. With the Huawei nova 5T’s 32MP for a budding social media influencer. a happy New Year The bank stated that the account prizes this year is fea- the Bank explained that Kuwaiti employees with a salary of Al-Tijari announces tured by the highest cash prize and diversity of prizes KD 500 and above whether newly recruited or in service KUWAIT: ABK announced that during the New throughout the year clarifying that Al-Najma Account will can transfer their salary to the Bank and avail the benefits of Year holiday, its branches and the head office will be offer weekly prize of KD 5,000, monthly prize of KD this campaign by getting instant cash gift of KD 250 or an closed during the evening shift on Tuesday 31st winners of 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addition interest free loan 5 times the salary up to KD 10,000, add to to the largest prize - linked bank account payout of KD this they will automatically enter the weekly draw on KD December 2019. The bank will resume its regular 1,500,000. Al Najma Account can be opened by depositing 1,000. As for the expatriate customers categorized under working hours on Sunday 5th January 2020. Al-Najma draws KD 100, and customer should maintain a minimum amount Premier Banking Account with a salary KD of 1,700 and ABK’s online services and Call Center will be of KD 500 to be eligible to enter all draws on Al-Najma above, they will get instant cash gift. available 24 hours a day during the holiday and can KUWAIT: Commercial Bank conducted the weekly draws Account prizes. As for the chances of winning, the more bal- The retirees with pension KD 1,000 and above will also be reached by contacting a customer service agent on Al-Najma Account and the draw on the “Salary and Cash ance a customer maintains in Al Najma Account, the more get an instant cash gift of KD 150 when transferring their via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899. on Top” campaign. The draws were conducted in the pres- chances the account holder will get to win, where each KD pension to the Bank and automatically enter the weekly On the occasion of the New Year, ABK’s board ence of Ministry of Commerce and Industry representative 25 will give the customer one chance to win, the account draw on a prize of KD 1,000 and avail the benefits of this members, management and staff, would like to Ana’am Al-Fadhli. also offers additional benefits like the ATM card, a credit campaign designated for Kuwaiti and expatriate employ- extend its warmest wishes to the Amir of the State of card against customer’s account and all CBK banking serv- ees working in private and public sector as well as the Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- The results of the draw were as follows: ices that customer can enjoy. retirees. Further, the campaign provides customers with As regarding “Salary & Cash on Top” campaign desig- the opportunity to get additional benefits and take advan- Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince 1- Al-Najma weekly account - the prize of KD 5,000 and was for the share of Rosa Castel General Trading Co. nated for Kuwaiti and expatriate employees as well as the tage of the advanced and unrivalled services and products Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and to 2- The “Salary & Cash on Top campaign” prize of KD retirees and which is valid until 31 December 2019 and the the bank provides to its customers to meet their needs and the Kuwaiti government and its people. 1,000 and was for the share of Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Azmi. mechanism of joining this campaign for availing its benefits, expectations. Established 1961 15

Monday, December 30, 2019 What’s On IWG tour 360 Kuwait, Shaikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Sabah Tennis Complex

embers of the Kuwait International Women’s the largest tennis academy in the Middle East, which Group (IWG) made up of diplomats’ wives, includes 8 indoor and outdoor state-of-the-art tennis Mdignitaries and distinguished women from the courts, a multipurpose arena that seats 5,000 people Kuwaiti society were invited for an exclusive tour of and a secondary tennis stadium with 1,500 capacity. 360 Kuwait and the Shaikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Members of IWG were also introduced to the addi- Al Sabah tennis complex to learn more about the pro- tional retail space that the project will hold including ject’s recent developments. new offerings of brands and F&B concepts. The tour The Tamdeen Group team received the IWG mem- left a positive impact on the members who commend- bers and introduced them to the project components ed the design and development standards of the proj- beginning with 360 Kuwait, one of Kuwait’s award- ect and expressed their pride in having such a project winning and iconic shopping malls, where they learned in Kuwait that will reflect greatly on the country and of the new changes and developments that the project the region. will include mainly connecting 360 Kuwait to the Tamdeen Group has consistently delivered excep- Shaik Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah Tennis tional results across several businesses including real- Complex. IWG members praised the concept estate. Today, the Group is managing and developing Tamdeen Group is pioneering in the region and aiming over 5 million sq.ft. of space across regional, commu- to embed in Kuwait by combining shopping, entertain- nity, lifestyle, neighborhood and mixed-use centres. ment and sports under one roof through this project. With its diverse range of projects and ongoing invest- The tour continued through the Shaikh Jaber Al ments, Tamdeen Group is continuously re-emphasiz- Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah Tennis Complex, which ing its commitment to contribute to Kuwait’s economic includes the recently announced Rafa Nadal Academy, development.

Hospitality Services Co. at Mishref tion companies, which plays a growing role in Leaders Group International Fairgrounds in the period of improving competitiveness and rating of world January 20-22, 2020. aviation companies. “It is noteworthy to mention In this regard, Leaders Group that KAC has recently made sever- TIES Center thanks KAC for expressed gratitude to Kuwait al achievements in competitiveness Airways Corporation (KAC) for and customer satisfaction”, the he TIES Center cordially invites you to our last Tafseer supporting Horeca Kuwait 2020 as statement underlined. supporting Horeca (Divine Wisdom from the Last Testament) class in 2019 an official carrier for participants, Further, Leaders Group tomorrow, December 30th, at 7pm. In that class, we will focus visitors and the jury panel members explained that one of KAC T Kuwait 2020 from outside Kuwait. achievements was being awarded on verses 13 and 14 of Surat Al-Mujadilah (She who Argued). As the organizer, Leaders Group the APEX rating award for the most We will learn why charity before privately consulting Prophet issued a statement stressing that: comfortable on flight seats in the Muhammad (pbuh) was legislated, people’s reaction, and why it was reparations for the Horeca Kuwait 2020 “The facilities KAC provides for the Middle East in 2019, getting a Five- later abrogated. We will discuss some tangible and spiritual benefits exhibition are steadily progressing and exhibition reflect the care this Star rating from the same organiza- of charity, its types, and how to give it. attracting more companies to take part in it We will also discuss the relationship between Salah (Muslim ritual P national carrier shows to improving Nabeela Al-Anjari tion based on a questionnaire con- as an event providing a golden opportunity to tourism and hospitality services ducted amongst passengers of over prayer) and Zakah ( compulsory charity), and why Salah is the only scientifically exchange expertise that would with the aim of improving Kuwait’s 600 airlines worldwide in the period act of worship for which there is no excuse to miss. match the local market needs and future expan- ranking in the field”. of July 1st, 2018 until June 30, 2019, which Finally, we will examine the importance of making an honest liv- sion plans. The statement added that the exhibition sig- probed passengers’ satisfaction with seats, cabin ing, its benefits, and the dangers of haste in accumulating wealth. We The exhibition is due to be organized by nificance lies in improving hospitality service services, food, beverage, recreation and Wi-Fi will also discuss some of the qualities of honest and effective leaders. Leaders Group in collaboration with environments in Kuwait, including that of avia- services. Come and learn more about the Book of Allah (SWT) in a serene, friendly and encouraging environment. ADAK celebrates Christmas, New Year, bids farewell Christmastide to patron program 2019-2020 Holy lappuzha District Association (ADAK) celebrated Christmas and New Year and Family Cathederal Abid farewell to its patron Chacko George Kutty at a function. Varghese Puthukulangara, President, Cherian delivered felicitation speeches on the President Binu Chempalayam in the presence December 31st 2019 Tuesday (Morning) - Normal Masses OICC-Kuwait inaugurated the function, occasion. All speakers extended best wishes of ADAK executive members. 06.30 a.m. Holy Mass in English (Cathedral) chaired by President B S Pillai, at Hidine to Chacko George Kutty and family. Premsan Kayamkulam, C. Krishnakumar, 07.00 a.m. Holy Mass in English (Cathedral) Auditorium, Abbassiya. Vipin Mangattu, In his reply speech George Kutty Shamsu Thamarakulam, Manoj Roy, Ideal Salim, General Secretary welcomed the audience. expressed gratitude to ADAK for giving such Shaji P I, Sunny Ampiyil, Sinijith, Sreekumar December 31st 2019 Tuesday New Year’s Eve - Masses Rev Father Jacob Thomas delivered a a memorable farewell. In recognition of his KG, Madhu Vettiyar and Jacob Cherian coordi- 05.30 p.m. Malayalam (Latin) Holy Mass Christmas message and J Saji, Rajeev social services, a memento was presented to nated the program. Program Convener Vijo 06.00 p.m. French Holy Mass Neduvilemuri, Christopher Daniel and Shibu Chacko George Kutty and his wife by Vice- Thomas proposed a vote of thanks. 06.30 p.m. Malankara Holy Mass 07.00 p.m. Tagalog Holy Mass 08.00 p.m. Korean Holy Mass 08.30 p.m. Solemn Pontifical Holy Mass 10.30 p.m. Konkani Holy Mass Baked Lemon-Butter Chicken Thighs 10.30 p.m. New Catechumenal Holy Mass 10.30 p.m. Coptic Arabic Holy Mass hese low-carb, keto-friendly chicken degrees C). 11.45 p.m. Syro-Malabar Holy Mass thighs are basted with a tangy and rich • Step 2 10.00 p.m. Maronite Holy Mass Tbutter sauce. They are easy enough for Place 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave- a weeknight meal and guaranteed to impress safe bowl and heat in a microwave oven until January 1st 2020 Wednesday New Year’s Day Holy Masses the pickiest eaters. Serve over egg noodles, melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Smash garlic cloves 07.00 a.m. English Holy Mass mashed potatoes, or rice, or alongside your with the side of a chef’s knife and add garlic to 08.30 a.m. English Holy Mass favorite vegetables. the warm butter. Stir in lemon juice and onion 10.30 a.m. English Holy Mass powder. Set aside. 12.00 Noon Maronite Holy Mass Original recipe yields 4 servings • Step 3 02.00 p.m. Tagalog Holy Mass • 4 tablespoons butter, divided Sprinkle both sides of chicken thighs with 03.15 p.m. Konkani Holy Mass • 4 cloves garlic salt and pepper. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon 04.00 p.m. Tamil Holy Mass • 2 tablespoons lemon juice butter in a medium-sized oven-safe skillet over 04.30 p.m. Konkani Holy Mass • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder medium-high heat. Brown chicken, skin-side 04.30 p.m. Bengali Holy Mass 05.30 p.m. English Holy Mass • 4 (8 ounce) skin-on, bone-in chicken down, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip chicken over and mometer inserted near the bone should read thighs brush skin with lemon-butter mixture. Pour 05.45 p.m. Sinhala Holy Mass 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Brush skin 06.30 p.m. English Holy Mass • salt and ground black pepper to taste remaining butter mixture into skillet and every 10 minutes with pan juices. • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped remove from heat. 07.45 p.m. Malayalam (Latin) Holy Mass • Step 5 06.00 p.m. Spanish Holy Mass Salmiya • Step 4 Remove skillet from the oven and place Directions Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is Basement chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle chicken 08.00 p.m. Arabic Latin Holy Mass Salmiya • Step 1 no longer pink at the bone and the juices run with pan juices and garnish with parsley. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 clear, about 30 minutes. An instant-read ther- Basement. 16 Health & Science Monday, December 30, 2019 Taiba Hospital reveals 2020 strategy KUWAIT: Taiba Hospital revealed during a and provide patients with the best medical Eight of them operate around the clock to press conference yesterday its new strategy and healthcare services in Kuwait. Taiba ensure patients are cared for at any time, for the year 2020, announcing a focus on Hospital has also signed a partnership with especially in cases of medical emergencies. promoting health and medical knowledge the French company ENGIE to take over the These departments include Obstetrics and within the community, supporting its needs management of facilities and supporting Gynecology, Pediatrics, Emergency and engaging directly with patients through services, employing the latest technologies Department, Pharmacy, Laboratory, three main pillars which are ‘Taiba Cares,’ used to monitor and manage buildings and to Radiology and Medical Imaging, General ‘Taiba Connects’ and ‘Taiba Educates.’ provide high-quality security services. Surgery and Gastroenterology. The announcement was made by Taiba “Our partnerships with HICT and ENGIE With over 19 beds, the Hospital’s Hospital Chief Executive Officer Lama Sanad come as part of our commitment to making Emergency Department (ED) is fully Al-Fadala, who was joined by Consultant of healthcare better for Kuwaiti citizens and equipped and responds to emergencies and Internal Medicine and Diabetes Dr Nabeela residents,” Fadala said. “Our commitment critical cases under the supervision of spe- Abdella, and Specialist of Obstetrics and ensure safety, quality and advanced medical cialized doctors who are available as well Gynecology Dr Fatemah Alhadhoud. Both Dr care in our premises, and every day.” around the clock. Abdella and Dr Alhadhoud recently joined In the Gastroenterology Department, sev- Taiba Hospital’s expanding team of medical Expanding team en doctors, including four Kuwaiti consult- caregivers. “Taiba Hospital prides itself with its team ants, provides specialized medical care in “Our new strategy at Taiba Hospital com- of medical caregivers which comprises today common and critical diseases of the digestive plements our continued investments in pro- over 80 doctors specialized in 20 fields as it system and perform endoscopy procedures. viding the highest standards of medical care continues to expand its medical services,” The Hospital’s Radiology and Medical in Kuwait,” Fadala said. “Taiba Hospital has a Fadala continued. “Thirty nine of these doc- Imaging Department is equipped with the track record of successes having partnered tors are leading Kuwaiti doctors, and a num- latest radiology and sonar devices, CT with world-class medical services providers ber of them have joined Taiba Hospital to scanner and two MRI devices, ensuring and bring home to top-class practitioners open two new departments for Cardiology patients receive accurate diagnostic and who hold certifications from leading hospi- and Pain Management. Our Cardiology interventional services. Taiba Hospital is tals in Europe, the United States and Canada. Department brings world-class consultants also home to 13 surgeons, including five As we move forward today, we are commit- who care for heart conditions and are Kuwaiti surgeons, who perform general sur- ting even more to our patients and our com- equipped to perform cardiac catheterization geries, endoscopies and surgeries for KUWAIT: Taiba Hospital staff attend the press conference. munity, promising to continue caring for and stent placements. As for the Pain patients of obesity. them with reliable services, connecting with Management Department, our consultants As for the Orthopedic Department, them and educating them about preventions focus on the diagnosis and management of patients have access to 12 doctors, six of Internal Medicine Departments in which pro- training and continued growth to our and treatments.” chronic pain through interventional thera- which are Kuwaiti consultants, and who are vides care, treatments and surgeries for neu- Hospital’s caregivers. And today, we are pies. With these two departments, our all highly qualified to perform operations, ro-relates conditions, hematology, oncology, expanding our commitment to quality care Global Partnerships Hospital continues to grow to cover majority such as knee and pelvic joint replacements, chest and kidney diseases. by connecting with our patients, under- Taiba Hospital is the only hospital in of the requirements of our patients.” and microscopic spine, sports injuries and Fadala concluded by saying: “At Taiba standing their needs, providing accurate Kuwait to have signed a partnership agree- shoulder surgeries. The department is sup- Hospital, we are committed to caring for information, and showing them that they ment with the Belgian consultancy company, World-class medical care ported by a fully-integrated physiotherapy our patients with highest standards of care. always have a place to care for their health, HICT, to maximize its operational excellence Taiba Hospital has 20 departments overall. center. Taiba Hospital has one of the leading We are doing so by ensuring we provide and that is Taiba Hospital.” 17

Monday, December 30, 2019

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CROSSWORD 2398 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

There may be a rather confusing element to the day for you, Aries, in which Take a break from the trail you're on and get off the beaten path, Libra. Today you feel tempted to act but not all the pieces seem to be in place. It could be is a day to forge ahead with ideas and dreams rather than commitments and hard to make a decision about things since the facts seem to be quite cloud- answers. Question things and debate the facts. Whatever you do, have fun. ed. You're better off spending this day enjoying your friends or your favorite This is the perfect day to go out and enjoy the fresh air with an outdoor activ- hobby rather than trying to make any major life decisions or commitments. ity, especially group activities. You can't go wrong with joining up with friends and chatting away about the latest events of your life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Be the star of your own movie today and be proud of the role you play, You may find it hard to take a realistic approach to your emotions today, Taurus. You might find yourself adopting the persona of many different Scorpio. A sensitive issue is apt to be pulling on you in such a way that it's characters depending on your mood of the hour. There is a special gleam leaving you feeling like you are way out in left field in terms of the way you in your smile today that you should share openly with others. Don't feel relate to others. You might want to consider letting someone else take the rushed to get anywhere. You have already arrived. Enjoy yourself in the lead for once and allow stability to form before the next decision is made. company of those you love.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Take a break from your daily routine and get off the track today, Gemini. Question the validity of anything you find yourself in conflict with today, The world will turn with you for a day, so feel free to tune out for a while. Sagittarius. You might find that people are acting on incomplete informa- ACROSS 3. Edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants. Remember that whatever path you decide to take is the right path. tion and that they are falsely accusing you of something you didn't say or ACROSS 4. The mountain peak that Noah's ark landed on Regret is a useless emotion - don't even bother with it. Enjoy the present do. Work to bring harmony to the situation by getting the truth out on the 1. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. as the waters of the great flood receded. day and all the small joys that it has to offer. table and helping the actual motivations become known. 5. A city in southeastern Spain. 5. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the 12. An audiotape recording of sound. pilot is talked down by ground control using pre- 15. The sixth month of the civil year. cision approach radar. 16. A white wax extracted from ozokerite. 6. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that 17. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba people resembles manganese chemically and is used in Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) in southwestern Nigeria. some alloys. 18. United States writer of poems and plays about 7. Type genus of the Ardeidae. Things are flowing your way today, Cancer, and you should racial conflict (born in 1934). 8. The state of being neat and smart and trim. find a great deal of pleasure in the comfort of others. You might find that It may feel like something has suddenly clicked into place for you today in 20. A farm where dairy products are produced. 9. The seventh month of the Hindu calendar. there is an air of fantasy about the day that is causing your emotions to which you have found the missing piece of a puzzle you've been working 21. Light informal conversation for social occa- 10. English theoretical physicist who applied rela- lose track of time and space. Don't bother connecting to reality if you on for a while, Capricorn. The answers may be subtle, but they are there. sions. tivity theory to quantum mechanics and predict- don't have to. Go to an art museum or attend a dance performance. See a Fantasy and a playful attitude will lead you to them effortlessly. Spread your ideas out to the world today and adopt an attitude that encourages others 22. Love intensely. ed the existence of antimatter and the positron movie and go out to your favorite restaurant. 23. An inactive volcano in Sicily. (1902-1984). to join in your daydreams as well. 25. A port city in southwestern Iran. 11. One or some or every or all without specifica- 27. Thorny shrub or small tree common in central tion. Argentina having small orange or yellow flowers 12. (Mesopotamia) God of agriculture and earth. followed by edible berries. 13. Jordan's port. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 29. An oral cephalosporin (trade names Keflex and 14. Of or relating to o occurring in a tube such as Leo (July 23-August 22) Keflin and Keftab) commonly prescribe for mild to e.g. the fallopian tube or eustachian tube. moderately severe infections of the skin or ears or 19. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a Don't try to nail down any answers today, Leo, because you'll probably Things may seem a bit surreal for you today, Aquarius, so don't take oth- throat or lungs or urinary tract. skewer usually with vegetables. just end up feeling more frustrated than when you started. The less you er people's chatter too seriously. Today is a day to reach out and touch 32. An international organization of European 24. A cushion on a throne for a prince in India. try to force your will on others, the more you'll find that things just auto- someone, so pick up the phone and dial it. It's a good day to share your countries formed after World War II to reduce 26. The blood group whose red cells carry both matically go your way. Today isn't about finding solutions to problems; dreams with others, despite how farfetched they may sound. Others may trade barriers and increase cooperation among its the A and B antigens. it's about enjoying that which you have already learned and accom- look at you as if you have three heads, but as long as you're being honest members. 28. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial plished. Keep things light. with yourself, there's no reason for you to be shy about sharing. 34. A public promotion of some product or ser- point measured westward along the celestial vice. equator from the zenith crossing. 35. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from 30. The principal evil jinni in Islamic mythology.

aba cloth. 31. A strong belief in a supernatural power or Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 36. An independent group of closely related powers that control human destiny. Chadic languages spoken in the area between the 33. A white metallic element that burns with a bril- Let your childish side come out to play today, Virgo. Your dreams are in Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages. liant light. Today is a great day for you in which you should enjoy a great deal of playful full force, so let them lead the way. Enjoy lighthearted conversations with conversation with others, Pisces. Fantasy is likely to play a large role in the 38. A software system that facilitates the creation 37. A dark-skinned member of a race of people liv- friends about the latest movies and your favorite websites. You might events of the day, and you may find yourself daydreaming as you walk down and maintenance and use of an electronic ing in Australia when Europeans arrived. want to consider working out or getting a haircut. This is a good day to the street. Don't bother with reality today if you don't have to. You're much database. 39. A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the improve your general appearance overall. You have a much sharper eye better off keeping the tone light and playful. 42. A socially awkward or tactless act. hair. for physical beauty on a day like today. 45. A bachelor's degree in science. 40. A republic on the island of Malta in the 48. Used in negative statement to describe a situa- Mediterranean. tion that has existed up to this point or up to the 41. A woman who tells fortunes. Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution present time. 43. Type genus of the family Pholadidae. 51. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. 44. A wicker basket used by anglers to hold fish. 52. Towards the shore from the water. 46. Title used for a married Frenchwoman. 55. Of or relating to the spleen. 47. Of or relating to Oman or its people. 57. Of or at or relating to an anode. 49. A member of an Iroquoian people formerly liv- 58. Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at east- ing on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern ern end of Mediterranean. Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western 61. A soft cotton or worsted fabric with an open New York. mesh. 50. A ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion- 63. South African term for `boss'. resistant diamagnetic metallic element. 65. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of 53. Any of various plants of the genus Althaea. Dublin). 54. Maintain or assert. 69. A male human offspring. 56. Of or belonging to an aecium. 72. The longest and thickest bone of the human 59. A river in eastern France. skeleton. 60. (the feminine of raja) A Hindu princess or the 73. The compass point midway between north- wife of a raja. east and east. 62. A Buddhist who has attained nirvana. 74. A member of one of the four divisions of the 64. An island of central Hawaii (between Molokai prehistoric Greeks. and Kauai). 76. Kamarupan languages spoken in northeastern 66. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone India and western Burma. else. 77. (meaning literally `born') Used to indicate the 67. (anatomy) A fold or wrinkle or crease. maiden or family name of a married woman. 68. Any of various strong liquors distilled from the 78. Flatter in an obsequious manner. fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented 79. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense molasses. vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a 70. A plant hormone promoting elongation of yellow dye. stems and roots. 71. An honorary degree in science. DOWN 75. A colorless odorless gaseous element that give 1. A small cake leavened with yeast. a red glow in a vacuum tube. 2. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Established 1961 Lifestyle

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019

People gather around a depiction of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s death mask made of 7,260 cups of coffee in front of the newly-built Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, on the southwestern outskirts of the capital Cairo, on Saturday. — AFP

t the yard of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) United States depicting late American singer and actor should be more than 60 square meters. On behalf of activity signify welcoming Egyptian and foreign tourists near the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt celebrat- Elvis Presley’s face, which consisted of 5,642 cups of cof- Guinness World Records, I am happy to be here to reg- to visit this magnificent building,” said Ghada Shalaby, Aed on Saturday in an open-air ceremony setting a fee with a total area of 37.24 square meters. The event ister a new world record for the largest coffee-cup deputy minister of tourism and antiquities. new Guinness World Record for the largest mosaic of was attended by the regional director of Guinness World mosaic at the GEM, a great cultural edifice that is The GEM total area is about 500,000 square ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamun’s mask made of Records for the Middle East and North Africa, Talal expected next year to be jammed with tourists who meters and it will be the world’s largest museum dis- coffee cups. “The mosaic of King Tut’s mask is made of Omar, who said that King Tut’s mosaic sets a new world would love to explore Egypt’s history and civilization,” playing artifacts of one civilization. It is expected to 7,260 cups of coffee, which is a plus for the GEM whose record in terms of the number of cups and the total area. Omar told the attendees. host over 100,000 artifacts, some 3,500 of which opening is awaited by the whole world in late 2020,” “I’m happy to be in Cairo today to witness a new The event was held under the auspices of the belong to King Tut. “Architecturally, about 94.5 percent Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme world record of a portrait (mosaic) made of coffee cups. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which used of the GEM construction is completed, and at least Council of Antiquities, told Xinhua during the ceremony. We are happy about the visit, but feeling happier to be to be two separate ministries before a recent cabinet 7,200 square meters of the GEM area will be dedicated The mosaic of Egypt’s world-famous boy king’s mask briefed about the Grand Egyptian Museum which will reshuffle took place earlier in December. “This is the first to featuring King Tut’s artifacts,” El-Tayeb Abbas, the was carried out by a group of Egyptian youth. The area house thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Today, event to be held after merging the two ministries and it is GEM’s director for archeological affairs, told Xinhua of the mosaic is 60 square meters, beating the 2012 the world record depends upon the total area of the cof- an important activity for promoting the GEM. Coffee is a during the event. —Reuters world record set by a similar coffee-cup mosaic in the fee cups or the portrait made of the coffee cups, as it welcome drink in Egypt and the cups of coffee in today’s

By Nawara Fattahova

musical concert titled ‘A Night in Life 5’ was held at the international fairground in AMishref during the weekend. It was attended by over 3,000 people of different ages and nationalities. The concert - which can be described as a romantic family night - started at 8:00 pm with the young Kuwaiti singer Mutref Al-Mutref. The audience welcomed him with a huge round of applause, chanting his name. Apart from his new and old songs, he performed one of his father’s popular songs on the oud. He con- cluded at 9:30 pm, expressing his happiness to be performing at the end of the year. At 10:15 pm, popular Syrian singer Asala came on stage wearing a long white dress. After singing two songs, she announced the surprise of her new upcoming Khaleeji-style album, some of whose songs are composed by Mutref. She then said that she will present a duo with Mutref, who came on stage and sang two songs with her. After some time, Asala took her shoes off as she felt uncomfortable. “I won’t be able to continue singing unless I take my shoes off. I apologize Syrian singer Asala and Kuwaiti singer Mutref Al-Mutref perform at a for singing barefoot. I hope you all start the new year in comfort. I’m glad I concert at the international fairground in Mishref. concluded my musical season with this concert in Kuwait,” she noted. 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Decade in Review Monday, December 30, 2019

In this file photo taken on Nov 10, 2016, US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands during In this file photo taken on June 28, 2019, China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with US President Donald Trump before a transition planning meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. — AFP photos a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

he Arab Spring gave way to bloodlet- A disappointing Arab Spring Britain. In the Mediterranean, desperate ting in Syria, a refugee exodus and After the decade began with the hope of migrants made the journey through north Tsurging militant violence. Obama gave the Arab Spring, it ends with strongmen back Africa to the sea, using rickety boats and way to Trump. The United Kingdom chose to in power in several countries. On Jan 14, 2011, rafts to try to get to Europe. Many did not Brexit. And for many around the world, while Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was survive. the 2010s began with hope for a more equi- chased from office by a popular rebellion In the United States, Trump made the fight table world, they end with a slide towards that was unthinkable only a few weeks against migrants illegally entering the coun- nationalistic populism. The following is a look before. The Arab Spring erupted in the try from Mexico one of his signature political at some of the people and events that shaped Middle East and North Africa. Libyan leader issues. And he asked Congress for billions of the past decade: Muammar Gaddafi was toppled that same dollars to build a wall to help keep them out. year in a NATO-backed uprising. Trump’s rise emboldened a surging wave of America divided In Egypt, the protests in Cairo’s Tahrir populist and far-right political movements - The United States will begin the 2020s Square spelled the end of Hosni Mubarak’s from Hungary’s Viktor Orban to Italy’s with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, as a reign, but the country ended the decade in Matteo Salvini and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro. president of a country riven by political, the iron grip of general turned President In France, the far-right remained a politi- societal and economic discord - and a leader Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The fate of millions of cal force thanks to the Le Pen family, and facing impeachment. Trump -who is accused people would be changed in Syria. A protest gathered strength in Germany, where some of abusing his power to ask a foreign nation, movement against the ruling Assad family questioned the soundness of Merkel’s open Ukraine, to investigate a domestic political descended into a bloody crackdown and arms. In Britain, a historic 2016 referendum rival - has every chance of being acquitted eventually a brutal civil war. In eight years of in which voters opted to leave the European by the Senate, where his Republican Party conflict since early 2011, more than 370,000 Union promised to change the complexion of faithful hold the majority. people have been killed and millions have the continent. After a tortuous process, But Trump still stands to become the third been displaced from their homes. And the Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems on his ever US president to be impeached, after Bill conflict has gone global. way to leading the United Kingdom out of Clinton and Andrew Johnson - Richard Russia intervened on behalf of Bashar Al- An image grab taken from a propaganda video released on July 5, 2014 by Al-Furqan Media the bloc after an election win, with the bless- Nixon having resigned before he could face Assad. Turkey moved to prevent the Kurds allegedly shows the leader of the Islamic State (IS) group Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, aka Caliph ing of Trump, the first US leader not to back judgment by lawmakers. The stranger-than- from setting up a stronghold on the border. Ibrahim, addressing Muslim worshippers at a mosque in the militant-held northern Iraqi European unity. fiction unfurling of his presidency mirrors his The West built a coalition to defeat the city of Mosul. rise to power - in 2016, it seemed unfath- “caliphate” of the Islamic State (IS), an Citizens take action omable to some that a real estate mogul- extremist group that profited from the chaos Africa’s vast Sahel region, and parts of Asia. would welcome them with open arms. As 2019 comes to an end, one Swedish turned-reality show star would lead the to claim swathes of territory in Syria and But the United States, their Kurdish allies Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Germany teenager has rewritten the rules about world’s biggest economy. Iraq. The militants wrought havoc, and and European nations together seized back thought it could absorb the influx of activism and awakened public conscious- But he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton attracted thousands of foreign fighters - the IS “caliphate” - which was declared elim- refugees. “If Europe fails on the question of ness about the fight against climate change. in what was for many an upset for the ages, mainly from Europe - to their cause. inated in March this year. And Baghdadi was refugees, if this close link with universal civil Millions of young people see themselves in and the tall New Yorker with the wispy blond killed in a raid by US special forces - he died rights is broken, then it won’t be the Europe 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, and think their mane succeeded Barack Obama, America’s Europe destabilized “like a dog”, as Trump said on Oct 27. we wished for,” she said on Aug 31, 2015. elders have sacrificed the planet on the altar first black president. Obama was a Nobel Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al- Hundreds of thousands of Syrians would end of economic growth and creature comforts. peace laureate; Trump once hosted “The Baghdadi proclaimed the establishment of Migrant tragedies up in Germany. “How dare you?” the teen said in Apprentice.” POTUS 44 and 45 could not be the “caliphate” in June 2014, extending from The Syrian conflict resulted in the export But the pressure mounted in countries September at the United Nations, challeng- more different. Aleppo in northern Syria to Diyala in Iraq. of violence, but also in an immense human straining under the weight of the constant ing world leaders over their inaction on Trump - who is a climate change skeptic, The organization would eclipse Al-Qaeda tragedy on Europe’s doorstep, as millions left arrivals of people in dire straits. In the north global warming. a protectionist and tough on immigration - and unleash a new torrent of violence, taking their homes in search of security and a better of France, at the port of Calais, migrants In a decade that began with a major has eschewed tradition and run the White several forms. It encouraged its followers to life. They crisscrossed Europe in giant pro- crammed into makeshift camps waiting for a nuclear accident in Japan sparked by an House his way, taking no prisoners. “From commit their own elementary acts of terror, cessions, ending up in whichever country chance to cross the English Channel to earthquake and deadly tsunami, the world this day forward, a new vision will govern rather than stage elaborate operations like our land. From this moment on, it’s going to the Sept 11 attacks. be America First,” he said on the Capitol On Nov 13, 2015, a Belgium-based cell steps in his inauguration speech on January run from Syria descended on Paris, killing 20, 2017. 130 people in bombings and shootings at a As the 2010s draw to a close, the booming concert hall, bars, restaurants, and the Stade success of the American economy will help de France sports stadium. At the Bataclan, a his chances at re-election next year. Abroad, fabled Paris concert venue, 90 people died at Trump is rough with his allies, flouts interna- a show by American group Eagles of Death tional agreements and does not hesitate to Metal. France, Belgium, Denmark and Britain boost his ties with authoritarian governments all fell victim to attacks in the course of the like that of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. decade. The movement swept through

This file photo taken on Oct 1, 2019, shows the logos of mobile apps Facebook and Google In this file photo taken on Dec 11, 2019, Britain’s Prime Minister and Conservative party leader Boris Johnson poses after hammering a “Get Brexit displayed on a tablet in Lille, France. Done” sign into the garden of a supporter, with a sledgehammer as he campaigns with his team in Benfleet, east of London. Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Decade in Review Monday, December 30, 2019

In this file photo taken on May 26, 2019, a man evacuates a young bombing casualty after a reported air strike by regime forces and their allies in the jihadist-held Syrian town of Maaret Al-Noman in the southern Idlib province. has focused on extreme weather and its ill and WhatsApp are some of the other brands effects. We are not winning the race to that have transformed our lives. reduce greenhouse gas emissions - and the They are making billions of dollars - and temperature is rising. The international com- sparking their share of controversies. These munity managed to reach the landmark Paris companies have access to our personal data, accord in 2015, but the commitments made and the threat to privacy is considerable. were not enough, and the United States is They facilitate free speech, but the risk of withdrawing from the plan. harassment - or worse - is real. They are Protection of the environment is front and making content more accessible to more center in many countries. But a simpler ques- people, but artists and news outlets are not tion - how men and women relate to each always being paid for their work. And in the other - also took center stage during the end, Facebook was found to have been one 2010s. The #MeToo movement, which went of the principal weapons for a Russian cam- viral in the wake of a litany of allegations paign to interfere in the US presidential elec- against Hollywood producer Harvey tion in 2016. Weinstein, has encouraged women to con- front their abusers, and led to the downfall of US, China lock horns a number of powerful men. The question of On the back of skyrocketing growth, gender and identity also rose to the fore this China became the world’s number two econ- decade, with many redefining what it is to be omy in 2010, surpassing Japan and only trail- a man or a woman - or neither. “They” - the ing the United States. The world’s workshop pronoun preferred by many who identify as has brandished its military ambitions and is non-binary - was Merriam-Webster’s word positioning itself as a strategic rival to of the year in 2019. Washington. In the middle of the decade, China staked a claim in the technology sec- Humanity: Connected tor, working to become a world leader in From schoolkids fighting for the planet, to robotics, information tech and clean energy. women calling out their abusers, to citizens Beijing is trying to change gears - it no pushing for democracy - or militants advo- longer is satisfied with being home to the cating terror, all had one thing in common: factories that produce the world’s consumer An ever-growing reliance on social media. goods. America has sensed that its suprema- 2.4 billion is a giant, difficult to grasp number, cy could be contested. And under Trump, but it is the number of regular monthly users that concern erupted in the open. The on Facebook, the world’s largest social net- Republican leader launched a trade war with work. In 2011, that figure was a little more China, accusing it of rampant intellectual than 500 million. property theft. “Trade wars are good and Technology is radically changing how we easy to win,” Trump boasted in 2018. He has In this file photo taken on March 23, 2017 US President Donald Trump sits in the driver’s seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and live. Dating, friendship, news, politics, music, unleashed stiff tariffs on Chinese goods, but CEOs to the White House in Washington to discuss healthcare. banking and shopping are all now handled in Beijing did not blink. And even if the two cyberspace, and we spend more and more countries just signed a “phase one” trade time staring at screens. Facebook is not the deal, their arm wrestling is sure to define the only boldface name in the sector dominated next decade. — AFP by US firms. Google, Twitter, Amazon, Apple

In this file photo taken on Dec 11, 2019, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks dur- ing a high-level event on climate emergency hosted by the Chilean presidency during the UN In this file photo taken on Jan 10, 2011, a Tunisian demonstrator prepares to throw a tear-gas canister during clashes with security forces in Climate Change Conference COP25 in Madrid. Regueb, near Sidi Bouzid. 22 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Monday, December 30, 2019

In this photo taken on Oct 1, 2019, Colombian botanist Julio Betancur works in Bogota.

Betancur shows a plant he collected. — AFP photos

Betancur collects plants on his way to the Chingaza National Natural Park.

or the last three decades, botanist Julio Betancur has braved minefields and Fpenetrated deep into jungle territory infested with drug traffickers and armed gangs in a bid to document Colombia’s rich biodiversity. Colombia is second only to Brazil for its incredible range of fauna and flora. Armed only with a notebook and gar- dening shears, Betancur has taken consider- able risks to collect plant cuttings. He’s con- tributed four percent of the 600,000 samples in the University of Colombia’s herbarium. There have been close calls including “a slightly violent” encounter with a group of drug runners Betancur and his colleagues came across in the jungle. “Without realizing it, we were putting ourselves in the eye of the storm,” Betancur told AFP. Fortunately, the drug traffickers accepted their explana- tions and left them alone. On another occa- sion, local peasants freed them from a mine- field. “If it hadn’t been for them, the commu- techniques that are harmful to the environ- Back in the university herbarium, where nities, we wouldn’t be here telling the story,” ment, cover 98,000 hectares - an area Betancur works as a curator, he jots down in Betancur shows plant archives during an interview at the National University in Bogota. said Betancur. greater than Berlin. Since 2010, more than a his notebook the color, size, smell, coordi- The 59-year-old, a biologist, university million hectares of Colombian jungle have nates and the sample number that betrays his 2,100 plant species are in danger of extinc- lection of bromeliads. These plants, with their professor and collector of bromeliads - which been cut down, according to an official vast body of research: 22,999. “Every time I tion due to deforestation. Of the 30,000 colorful flowers ranging from red to green, include the pineapple, Spanish moss and report. take a botanical sample it’s like writing a page plants the institute has documented in provide a water source for animals during queen of the Andes - says it’s worth taking in the book of our forests,” he said. In the Colombia, 26 percent are endemic. Betancur’s times of drought. Among them is a species the risks so his country can “know about” its ‘Book of forests’ future, once the vegetation has disappeared work is displayed on rickety shelving at that had never before been documented until biodiversity. While dangers lurk for Betancur, Wearing an explorer’s hat and with a from somewhere, people “will know what Colombia’s national university. The botanist Betancur noticed it while out driving. He Colombia’s biodiversity faces far more rucksack on his back, Betancur forges into species lived there at a certain time and with compares the herbarium to the Great Library spotted it high up in a tree in Bogota’s savan- threats. Deforestation - mainly from livestock the mountainous Chinganza National Park that will reconstruct the natural history of this of Alexandria in Egypt, one of the most sig- nah and climbed up to take some clippings. “I farming but also illegal mining and coca plan- some 40 km from the capital Bogota. territory.” nificant libraries of the ancient world. still don’t know what to call it because I have tations - has done untold damage to Suddenly, he stops in front of a plant with tiny In his early expeditions, Betancur tra- to baptize it,” said Betancur, one of the Colombia’s jungles. yellow flowers known as a “chite” in versed Amazonian forests studying species Baptism needed Colombians to have named the largest num- Almost five percent of the 169,000 Colombia: a member of the St John’s-wort that have since disappeared. The Alexander At Betancur’s apartment in Bogota, he has ber of plants. — AFP hectares of illegal coca plantations are in family. He takes a clipping and wraps it in von Humbolt Biological Resources Research a large terrace where he looks after his col- protected areas. Illicit gold mining, using newspaper soaked in alcohol. Institute in Bogota estimates that at least

Betancur looks into his plant archive.

other Chinese designers, such as Uma Wang, Masha “Stereotypes are very tenacious: seven years ago has staged shows in Paris for a decade and has a bou- Ma, Yang Li, Jarel Zhang, Dawei and Shangguan Zhe, when I said I was joining a Chinese group, some people tique in one of Paris’s most exclusive streets. Why will show their collections at the ready-to-wear shows looked at me and it was clear that ‘the Chinese have no Paris? “Paris is the centre of Western fashion and the in February. taste’ and ‘the Chinese are poor-quality manufacturers’ birthplace of the couture. A design studio in Paris, the “We’re starting to see fashion coming from China were running through their heads,” Capron said. “But heart of couture, helps us to explore complex Western aimed at the entire world and which is creating new today, there has been a real swing, this new wave of construction techniques as well as stay on top the latest ideas about the country - a new ‘Made in China’ of Chinese brands is a tidal wave.” trends,” Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia, who founded the fashion quality and refinement,” said Isabelle Capron, head of house and who has been dubbed the Coco Chanel of Chinese fashion group Icicle’s Paris office. ‘Product more important’ Taiwan, told AFP. Designer Shangguan Zhe, founder of the Sankuanz The label, which set itself a mission to create “neo- Paris a ‘springboard’ label based in the Chinese port city of Xiamen, made Chinese chic” through a fusion of East and West, has Founded in Shanghai in 1997, Icicle has 270 shops in his international debut in London in 2015. Now a regu- 70 boutiques throughout Asia. The collections marry China and generates 250 million euros ($275 million) in lar at the Paris men’s ready-to-wear shows, Shangguan traditional techniques with contemporary cuts. “To be ade in China” may still evoke more off the annual sales. Under the label’s back-to-nature ethos, it said he has not encountered stereotypes or challenges attractive, including for Chinese clients, a Chinese label rack than catwalk, but Chinese designers are favors natural fabrics like cashmere, silk, cotton, wool based on his nationality from fellow designers. “People cannot limit itself to boutiques at home, it must also be Mslowly installing themselves in Paris, the fash- and linen. It uses natural dyes made from onions, walnut from outside the industry are more likely to have these present in Paris, which fascinates” the Chinese, said ion capital, as a part of an upscale march towards the bark, woad and tea to color the clothes it makes in the stereotypes,” he told AFP in China. “People from within luxury goods expert Eric Briones, noting that China lucrative luxury market, a segment that is increasingly three factories that it owns in China. the industry are fully aware of the level China’s manu- today represents some 35 percent of the global luxury made up of Chinese shoppers. As Paris gears up for its The Chinese firm opened its first international store facturing is at,” he said, adding: “The quality is actually goods market. next run of shows early in the new year, it is clear that in September in Paris in the heart of the city’s “Golden getting better and better.” Speaking to AFP from China, This “rise of a new ‘Made in China’ is just the start of Chinese designers have made it into the rarefied world Triangle” of luxury boutiques. “It’s a springboard for he said: “Paris is a very international stage. People don’t a revolution, initiated by a young generation that wants of fashion. our internationalization,” Capron said. “Paris is the really care where you came from... The product itself is to consume Chinese,” said Briones, who co-founded Think Guo Pei, the Chinese-born and trained coutu- capital of fashion, and the goal is to give our brand more important.” the Paris School of Luxury. “It is a return to favor for rier best known for the massive canary-yellow corona- visibility,” she added. Even though many Western local brands which began with streetwear and is now tion cape worn by Rihanna that stole the show at the brands are produced in China, European consumers ‘Neo-Chinese chic’ spreading to luxury clothes,” he added. — AFP New York Met’s 2015 gala. Guo, who has a Paris bou- still view clothes tagged “Made in China” as being of Shiatzy Chen, a fashion house founded in 1978 in tique, will present her haute culture collection. Several mediocre quality. Taiwan, produces its clothes in Shanghai and Taipei. It Classifieds Monday, December 30, 2019

CHANGE OF NAME

Old name - Shahid Abdul Kadir Ansari, new name - Shahid Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abdul Qadeer Ansari. I, Shahid Abdul Kadir Ansari (Indian Amiri Hospital 22450005 Passport No. Z5183824 issued in Kuwait) S/O Abdul Kadir Maternity Hospital 24843100 Ansari hereby declare that henceforth my name will be Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 read as, given name: Shahid Abdul Qadeer, Suname: Ansari Chest Hospital 24849400 and father’s name: Abdul Qadeer for all purposes. Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 (C 5700) 30-12-2019

Adan Hospital 23940620 I Banderkar Tawfiq Abdul be known by my name as Arsh Rahim holder of Indian Passport Thakur. (C 5484) Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 No. Z1923691 having perma- 29-12-2019 nent address: Mumbai, Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Maharastra, India 400010 resid- I, Shazeen Mahamad Shaif ing in Kuwait at present, hereby Alaji, (Indian Passport No. Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 declare that henceforth my N1869413 issued in Kuwait) name will be read as under: D/O Alaji Mahamad Shaif Given name: Tawfiq Abdul Kasam hereby declare that Rahim, Surname: Banderkar. henceforth my name will be (C 5699) read as, given name: Shazeen Kaizen center 25716707 Mahamad Shaif, surname: Alji I Palathinkal Alavi Sainaba and Father’s name Mahamad Rawda 22517733 holder of Indian Passport No. Shaif Kasam Alji for all purposes.

Adaliya 22517144 T0708374 do hereby change my name as Palathinkal Alavi Iysha I, Nuwair Mahamad Shaif Alaji (Indian Passport No. T2416290 Khaldiya 24848075 residing at Palathinkal (H) Manaladi, P.O. Attoor issued in Kuwait) S/O Alaji Kaifan 24849807 Chrumparambil, Thrissur, Kerala. Mahamad Shaif Kasam hereby (C 5483) declare that henceforth my Shamiya 24848913 name will be read as, given I, Arsh Javed Thakur, S/O name: Nuwair Mahamad Shaif, Shuwaikh 24814507 Jaweed Abdulhamid Thakur surname: Alji and Father’s name and Cindrella Fernandes and Mahamad Shaif Kasam Alji for Abdullah Salem 22549134 holder of Indian Passport No. all purposes. (C 5698) P0379143 issued at Kuwait on Nuzha 22526804 26/06/2016, permanent R/o H. SHARING ACCOMMODATION No. 269, Bebeingall, Ambaulim Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Quepem 403705, Goa - India Sharing accommodation for hereby change my name from Filipino ONLY Farwaniya block Qadsiya 22515088 Arsh Javed Thakur to Arsh 4, near Big Jamiya, available on Thakur. Hereafter, in all future December 25, Contact Dasmah 22532265 dealings and documents, I will 55571873. 24-12-2019 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Shaab 22518752 112 Qibla 22459381 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Mirqab 22456536 Automated enquiry about the CivilID card is Sharq 22465401 1889988 Salmiya 25746401

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 30/12/2019 RBG 553 Alexandria 14:05 Departure Flights on Monday 30/12/2019 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 Airlines Flt Route Time MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 PIA 239 Sialkot 00:05 UAE 877 Dubai 14:10 JZR 215 Jeddah 00:05 JZR 115 Doha 13:00 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1075 Doha 13:00 AIC 989 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 752 ELQ 14:20 MSC 412 Asyut 00:15 MSR 611 Cairo 13:25 JZR 716 Sohag 00:35 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 QTR 1093 Doha 00:25 KAC 781 Jeddah 13:30 JZR 254 Amman 00:45 KAC 672 Dubai 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:35 JZR 123 Dubai 13:40 JZR 734 Cairo 00:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 14:40 PIA 240 Sialkot 01:05 KAC 105 London 14:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:50 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 AIC 990 Mumbai 01:10 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 PGT 858 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 742 Dammam 14:45 IGO 1758 Kochi 01:10 RBG 554 Alexandria 14:45 KAC 102 London 00:55 KAC 364 Colombo 14:50 JZR 111 Doha 01:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:00 KAC 504 Beirut 01:05 KAC 118 New York 14:50 KAC 363 Colombo 02:00 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 DLH 625 Dammam 01:30 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:55 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:00 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:40 KAC 618 Doha 15:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:00 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:10 KAC 677 Dubai 02:10 UAE 878 Dubai 15:40 IGO 1759 Delhi 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 JZR 722 Alexandria 01:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:25 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:45 JZR 119 Dubai 02:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:15 JZR 222 Riyadh 15:30 KAC 417 Manila 02:30 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 563 Amman 16:00 DLH 625 Frankfurt 02:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 16:00 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:40 IGO 1765 Delhi 02:55 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 KNE 530 Jeddah 16:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 QTR 1086 Doha 02:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 UAE 854 Dubai 03:40 KAC 541 Cairo 16:20 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 732 Cairo 15:50 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:55 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 152 Mashhad 16:00 QTR 1087 Doha 04:00 KAC 785 Jeddah 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 04:00 JZR 212 Jeddah 16:25 OMA 644 Muscat 04:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 IGO 1751 Chennai 04:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:35 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:35 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 116 Doha 16:40 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:45 OHY 352 Istanbul 04:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:45 KAC 621 Doha 04:20 JZR 103 Bahrain 16:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 04:40 KAC 546 Cairo 16:45 JZR 707 Luxor 04:40 KAC 283 Dhaka 17:00 JZR 702 Asyut 04:50 KAC 502 Beirut 16:45 IGO 1752 Chennai 05:10 KAC 361 Colombo 17:30 FDB 069 Dubai 05:00 KAC 516 Tehran 16:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 KAC 357 Kochi 17:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 SAW 705 Damascus 17:00 OHY 351 Istanbul 05:30 KAC 619 Doha 17:35 JZR 404 Hyderabad 05:10 FEG 341 Sohag 17:20 JZR 101 Bahrain 05:50 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 358 Kochi 05:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:25 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 FDB 052 Dubai 17:45 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 121 Dubai 06:35 KAC 331 Trivandrum 17:55 KAC 382 Delhi 05:20 JZR 214 Jeddah 17:45 JZR 113 Doha 06:40 QTR 1073 Doha 18:00 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 RJA 643 Amman 06:55 SAW 706 Damascus 18:00 JZR 654 OSS 05:25 FDB 063 Dubai 18:15 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 JZR 733 Cairo 18:10 JZR 112 Doha 05:35 JZR 302 Istanbul 18:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 715 Sohag 18:15 JZR 124 Dubai 18:20 JZR 502 Lahore 05:35 UAE 874 Dubai 07:15 FEG 342 Sohag 18:20 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 05:45 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 KAC 413 Bangkok 07:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:20 UAE 873 Dubai 05:50 QTR 1080 Doha 18:30 KAC 167 Paris 07:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 216 Jeddah 05:50 JZR 306 Istanbul 18:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 05:55 RJA 640 Amman 19:10 RBG 214 Sohag 07:50 JZR 127 Dubai 18:35 JZR 402 Mumbai 06:05 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:20 IGO 1767 Mumbai 08:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 18:35 KAC 344 Chennai 06:10 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 173 Munich 08:20 JZR 403 Hyderabad 18:40 KAC 544 Cairo 07:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 KAC 381 Delhi 18:50 BAW 157 London 07:05 QTR 1090 Doha 19:35 JZR 001 LGW 08:40 JZR 721 Alexandria 18:55 KAC 678 Dubai 07:05 KAC 744 Dammam 19:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:00 JZR 253 Amman 19:20 RBG 213 Sohag 07:10 KAC 782 Jeddah 19:50 KAC 501 Beirut 09:00 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 IGO 1766 Mumbai 07:10 JZR 104 Bahrain 19:55 JZR 539 KTM 09:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 JZR 731 Cairo 09:10 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 JZR 120 Dubai 07:35 FDB 057 Dubai 20:00 BAW 156 London 09:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 JZR 540 KTM 20:00 KAC 545 Cairo 09:30 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 QTR 1084 Doha 08:00 KAC 776 Riyadh 20:05 QTR 1085 Doha 09:30 RJA 641 Amman 20:10 KAC 354 Bengaluru 08:25 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:35 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 622 Doha 08:30 QTR 1088 Doha 20:30 KAC 101 London 09:45 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 20:25 UAE 855 Dubai 08:35 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:30 KAC 561 Amman 09:45 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:35 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 KAC 174 Munich 20:45 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 058 Dubai 20:45 JZR 102 Bahrain 08:55 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:55 JZR 151 Mashhad 09:55 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 20:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 334 Trivandrum 09:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 KAC 751 ELQ 10:00 QTR 1091 Doha 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 117 New York 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 KAC 384 Delhi 09:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 DLH 624 Dammam 21:45 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:00 KAC 304 Mumbai 09:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:05 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 QTR 1089 Doha 21:55 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:50 JZR 301 Istanbul 10:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:15 KAC 203 Lahore 22:15 QTR 8511 Doha 09:40 KAC 168 Paris 22:00 JZR 701 Asyut 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:45 KAC 620 Doha 22:00 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:20 KAC 617 Doha 10:35 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 114 Doha 10:20 KAC 564 Amman 22:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:25 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 AXB 395 Kozhikode 10:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 211 Jeddah 10:40 JZR 708 Luxor 10:55 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:50 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:50 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 JZR 122 Dubai 11:15 KAC 741 Dammam 11:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 GOW 061 CNN 23:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 QTR 1074 Doha 11:35 QTR 1092 Doha 23:10 JZR 305 Istanbul 11:10 KAC 352 Kochi 11:35 QTR 8512 Doha 11:25 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:15 MSC 411 Asyut 23:15 KAC 383 Delhi 23:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 JZR 128 Dubai 23:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MSR 610 Cairo 12:25 AXB 396 Kozhikode 11:50 QTR 1083 Doha 23:25 JZR 002 LGW 23:15 KAC 543 Cairo 23:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 071 Dubai 23:40 JZR 221 Riyadh 12:00 KAC 303 Mumbai 23:40 QTR 1078 Doha 13:35 KAC 542 Cairo 23:45 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:00 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:50 KAC 515 Tehran 12:10 GOW 062 CNN 23:55 24 Established 1961 News Monday, December 30, 2019

Iraqis in the holy shrine city of Najaf launch rice paper hot air balloons in Saturday to show solidarity with the ongoing anti-government protests across the country. — AFP Turkish military plane evacuates injured Somalia bomb victims

MOGADISHU: A Turkish military plane yesterday travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people not treat him inside the country,” he said. “Thank evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital. The from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they expecting that with time he gets well.” health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 peo- were taken to the airport. Abdukadir Moalim, a Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and insecurity. The aircraft also brought doctors to help ple were injured, a number which has overwhelmed Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling des- according to medical sources, another two who were treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday’s blast, health services in the capital. perate because his cousin had sustained serious wounded will be among those airlifted home. Since which happened when a vehicle packed with explo- Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said head wounds in the blast. “The problem with the 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with sives detonated at a busy security checkpoint. Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase. blast is that even if you escape death, you can sus- death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in “The rescue mission continues since yesterday “There are still rescue operations going on to assist tain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All when the blast occurred and after long and diligent those who have been massacred by the terrorists while injuries in the head and medical doctors here could of them involved car bombs. —AFP efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the going about their business,” Somalia’s Information wounded people to Turkey for further medical treat- Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists. “We ment,” Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud have received this morning doctors and medicine sent told reporters at the airport. No group has claimed the by the Turkish government and we are working to sep- against the legitimate government, Kuwait had princi- bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi arate people seriously wounded from others in order Kuwait ends pled positions and joined the coalition to restore legiti- Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, to send them outside the country and the rest will be macy and mediation efforts before we entered the which regularly carries out car bombings and other treated by the doctors,” he added. council in 2016.” attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to top- The minister said about 24 doctors specializing in successful... He noted that during the recent Stockholm negotia- ple the internationally-backed government. trauma had arrived from Turkey - a key ally of Somalia. Continued from Page 1 tions, Kuwait facilitated the process of transferring Saturday’s bombing was the deadliest since truck Somalia’s Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow Houthi negotiators from Sanaa to Stockholm and exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball who held a press conference alongside the mayor at Kuwait contributed to work on issues pertaining to through membership in the council, Kuwait supported that killed over 500 people. Farmaajo pinned the the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey Arab countries, as tasks requiring permanent coordina- the UN efforts, implemented relevant Security Council attack on the “terrorist organization Al-Shabaab” in a would stay to treat people in the country. “There are tion at different levels with Arab missions in New York, resolutions, and always confirms in all its statements televised message and slammed it as an attempt to doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the he added. Regarding the opinion of Arabs on the per- that a military solution in Yemen must be resolved “intimidate and terrorize the Somali public and to mas- plane but others will remain here preferably to treat formance of Kuwait in the council, he said: “I think peacefully by negotiations. sacre them at every opportunity available”. people here; our Qatari brothers will also send another there is satisfaction and praise for the role of Kuwait On the relationship of the Security Council with the At least 16 of those killed were students from the plane which will evacuate some more people who are and its continuous coordination and work in a transpar- League of Arab States, Otaibi said: “We have been keen capital’s private Banadir University, who had been seriously wounded as well,” he said. ent manner with all members of Arab countries.” to improve this relationship according to agreements to Otaibi noted this was a very useful experience in the be signed between the two organizations in the field of history of Kuwaiti diplomacy, because Kuwait is a small maintaining international peace and security.” “cutting”, denoting a blow to the neck and head. country that does not have a hidden agenda in any of Regarding Kuwaiti prisoners and missing persons in Lathi: Indian “The lathi is a legacy of the British colonial rule,” said the topics of the Security Council and “the issues that Iraq, he affirmed Iraq has not fulfilled all its obligations, Syed Ali Kazim, an assistant professor of history at Aligarh concern us are primarily those of Arab countries”. He adding that the Iraqi authorities are fully cooperating cops’ colonial... Muslim University. “There is clear historical evidence that pointed out that the foundations and principles of with the UN organizations in resolving this case. (freedom fighter) Lala Lajpat Rai died because of the lathi Kuwaiti foreign policy are the same as stipulated in the On the Rohingya minority issue, Otaibi said Kuwait blows on his head during a protest against the British,” he UN Charter and are based on non-interference in inter- succeeded in organizing a visit to Bangladesh and Continued from Page 1 told AFP. The British left in 1947 but the lathi stayed in use, nal affairs of countries, resolving disputes by peaceful Myanmar with the aim of highlighting the plight of and not only for the security forces. means and respecting the sovereignty of states. Rohingya refugees living in miserable conditions. a horrible weapon,” Suresh told AFP. “Nothing The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the mili- He added that Kuwait succeeded with Sweden in During the visit, Kuwait tried - in coordination with legitimizes its brutal use.” taristic parent organization of Prime Minister Narendra adopting the first two resolutions in 2018 calling for a Britain and Peru - to push for an organized plan to Many believe the lathi originated as a martial arts Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, uses ceasefire in all regions of Syria and allowing unimpeded return the Rohingya to their Rakhine home state. accessory in South Asia. It was also used by feudal lathis in its early morning drills. Last week, long-lines of access of humanitarian aid and demanding respect for “I had meetings with His Highness the Amir during landlords against poor peasants, emerging as a symbol white-shirted RSS members marched through the the obligations of international humanitarian law and my visit to Kuwait,” said Otaibi, adding, “He always of unquestioned power and authority. In India, the streets of Hyderabad beating drums, riding horses - international human rights law and not targeting civil- praises the performance of the delegation”. “During weapon began to inspire fear and awe when the British and holding aloft their long sticks. “Lathis are not regu- ians or civil facilities and infrastructure. these short meetings, there were directives that we used it unsparingly to disrupt protest marches that lar sticks. The cane is soaked, dried and then oil is “In December 2018, we managed with Sweden to cherish and take seriously and we implement from the defined the non-violent independence movement in the applied to it - it goes through a treatment process to issue a decision to renew the mechanism for the entry standpoint of our national issues or our Arab issues late 19th and early 20th century. The British even came make it a deadly weapon,” said Suresh from PUCL. of humanitarian aid through crossing points specified sometimes and there were direct directions as these up with lathi guidelines that included commands such “They also put iron or steel at the tip which tears the by the decision with Turkey, Jordan and Iraq, a mecha- things facilitated our work,” indicated Otaibi. as “jabbing”, which meant hitting people in the gut, and flesh. It can maim and kill.” — AFP nism that contributed to saving the lives of millions of Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Representative of Syrians who depend on this aid that comes through the Germany at the UN headquarters in New York Jurgen border crossings,” Otaibi said. Schulz affirmed that he and his colleagues were pleased On the Palestinian issue, Otaibi stressed that it is the with Kuwait’s performance during its tenure at the uct (GDP) in 16 years. first Arab case, and there are stable Arab positions, UNSC, saying that along with the Belgian delegation, Iraq protesters The protesters also want justice for those activists starting from the issue and at different levels such as Kuwait and Germany managed to coordinate on issues who have been murdered, many shot dead in the the Arab League Ministerial Council or at the level of connected with the Syrian humanitarian crisis. Working streets or outside their homes. Dozens have also lock down oil... the summit and Kuwait. He affirmed that there is com- with peers from Kuwait, Germany and other members reported being abducted to a rural area near Baghdad plete coordination with the Palestinians, and the draft had benefited from the Gulf nation’s experience in han- Continued from Page 1 for several hours or days before being abandoned by resolution to secure international protection for the dling the Syrian humanitarian file, he added. the roadside. The United Nations has accused “mili- Palestinian people was in coordination with the Middle East Affairs official at the Belgium Mission to Those demands include an end to a system that tias” of waging a sweeping campaign of threats, kid- Palestinian delegation that put forward the idea of pro- the UN, Second Secretary Florinda Baleci, told KUNA doles out state jobs according to ethnicity and religion, nappings and murders of demonstrators. The state-run tecting Palestinians from the Israeli occupation forces. that working with Kuwait within the frame of the Syrian and a stop to the endemic corruption estimated to Human Rights Commission says it has still not heard Regarding the Yemeni crisis, Otaibi said: “The histo- humanitarian file was excellent. The Kuwaiti delegation have swallowed up twice Iraq’s gross domestic prod- from 56 missing activists. — AFP ry of Kuwait’s mediation and its attempt to resolve the demonstrated merit, efficiency and high professionalism Yemeni differences is very old. There were previous that contributed to achieving what was presented in mediations and our relations with Yemen are historical. this file on alleviating the human suffering of the Syrian no knowledge he was a member of the Arab Struggle When the current crisis erupted with the Houthi coup people, she affirmed. — KUNA Kuwait says it Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz. MP Abdullah Fahhad, who attended the meeting, also confirmed that Kaabi was received as a researcher and nothing else. this represents a direct accusation against the Kuwaiti respects Iran’s... Jarallah told Iran’s ambassador that the meeting Damkhi files people too. took place without permission from relevant Kuwaiti Another opposition MP Mohammad Al-Barrak had Continued from Page 1 authorities, KUNA reported, adding that competent vowed to grill the prime minister for including Aseeri in officials have “begun taking necessary legal measures” to grill Aseeri... the Cabinet, but two days ago he said he had decided But MP Saleh Ashour said on his Twitter account over the “disappointing” affair, which was undertaken Contiued from Page 1 to delay any action against the premier to give him suf- yesterday that National Assembly Speaker Marzouq in a “private” capacity. Iran and Kuwait have had rela- ficient time to approve a general amnesty. Damkhi also Al-Ghanem had received a dissident from Iran’s Ahvaz tively good relations in recent years despite tensions Damkhi said the minister should not escape said the minister violated her oath by falsely accusing region without knowing he was a member of an oppo- between the Islamic republic and other Gulf Arab accountability by deleting the tweets soon after she MPs of spreading lies and rumors, although what MPs sition group in Iran. Ashour added that he contacted states. Kuwait greatly reduced its diplomatic presence was selected as a minister in the Cabinet for the first spoke about was fully mentioned on the minister’s the speaker, who confirmed to him that he received in Tehran in 2016 after Saudi Arabia completely sev- time. The lawmaker was particularly infuriated over a Twitter account. MPs Abdullah Fahhad, Riyadh Al- Hakim Al-Kaabi as a doctorate researcher who has ered relations with Iran, but it kept a charge d’affaires statement by Aseeri in which she described criticism by Adasani and Mohammad Hayef declared their backing done research on Kuwait’s democracy and that he had and two officials. MPs as rumors aimed at their electoral bases, adding of the grilling. 25 Sports Monday, December 30, 2019 Fleury hits milestone, Knights take Pacific lead Meier nets hat trick, Sharks rout Flyers

LAS VEGAS: Mark Stone scored two goals, and Marc- move for a go-ahead power-play goal with 1:03 left in Andre Fleury moved into a tie for sixth place on the regulation as host Pittsburgh downed Nashville to NHL’s all-time wins list as the Vegas Golden Knights sweep the home-and-home series. Bryan Rust scored took sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division twice, including an empty-netter, and added two with a 4-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday assists; Alex Galchenyuk had a goal and an assist, night in Las Vegas. Chandler Stephenson and Paul Dominik Kahun and Kris Letang also scored; and Stastny also scored goals, and Shea Theodore tied a Evgeni Malkin had three assists for the Penguins. Matt career-high with three assists for Vegas, which snapped Murray, in just his third start in December, made 44 a two-game losing streak. Fleury, who had allowed a saves. Mikael Granlund scored twice, including the dozen goals in his two previous starts including seven tying goal, for Nashville. Viktor Arvidsson and Craig in a 7-3 loss to Colorado on Monday, finished with 27 Smith also scored, and Roman Josi had three assists. saves. He moved even with Curtis Joseph for sixth place Predators’ goalie Juuse Saros was pulled during the with his 454th career victory. Michael Grabner scored first period after giving up three goals on eight shots. for Arizona, which entered the contest tied with Vegas Pekka Rinne stopped 25 of 27 shots in relief. for first place. Antti Raanta stopped 12 of 16 shots before being replaced by Adin Hill early in the second HURRICANES 6, CAPITALS 4 period. Hill finished with 20 saves in his first appear- Warren Foegele scored two goals and added an ance of the season. assist as host Carolina defeated Washington, snapping a three-game losing streak. Lucas Wallmark, Dougie SHARKS 6, FLYERS 1 Hamilton, Martin Necas and Andrei Svechnikov also Timo Meier collected his first career hat trick as host scored for the Hurricanes, who won at Washington in San Jose routed Philadelphia to snap a four-game los- overtime in the second game of the season. Carolina ing skid. Mario Ferraro and Joel Kellman both scored goalie Petr Mrazek made 25 saves for the victory after their first NHL goals, and Patrick Marleau also tallied. losses in his last two decisions. Nic Dowd, Alex Goaltender Martin Jones made 26 saves for the Sharks, Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Richard Panik scored who went into the game with just one victory in their for the Capitals. Braden Holtby stopped 23 shots. It was LAS VEGAS: Adin Hill #31 of the Arizona Coyotes makes a save against William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden previous 11 outings. Ivan Provorov scored the Flyers’ only the fifth time in Holtby’s last 23 games that Knights in the second period of their game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the only goal, on a power play less than a minute into the Washington didn’t secure at least one point. Coyotes 4-1. — AFP third period. Carter Hart made 23 saves for the Flyers, who had a four-game winning streak snapped in the RANGERS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 4 season. Tyler Seguin scored his fifth goal in five games, in a row — during which they’ve outscored their oppo- first outing of a six-game road trip. Tony DeAngelo scored 52 seconds into overtime as Denis Gurianov posted his ninth goal of the season, and nents 16-9. Anze Kopitar and Tyler Toffoli had goals for New York ended host Toronto’s six-game winning Joe Pavelski also had a shootout goal for Dallas, which the Kings, who were playing the second half of a back- LIGHTNING 5, CANADIENS 4 streak. Ryan Strome had two goals and two assists for had lost three of four. Bishop was solid all night and to-back after winning 3-2 in overtime Friday night in Alex Killorn had two goals and an assist, and Victor New York, while Brett Howden and Mika Zibanejad also perfect in the shootout while snapping his four-game San Jose. Jonathan Quick stopped 23 of 26 shots. Hedman had a career-high four assists as Tampa Bay scored. Artemi Panarin had three assists, and Alexandar losing streak for the Stars, who also ended an 0-2-1 rallied for a victory over visiting Montreal. Steven Georgiev stopped 44 shots. Auston Matthews had two home slide. Colorado, meanwhile, got goals from J.T. PANTHERS 5, RED WINGS 4 Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli each finished with a goal goals, including the tying goal in the final minute of reg- Compher and Ian Cole and a 38-save performance Dominic Toninato scored the go-ahead goal in the and an assist, and Mitchell Stephens also scored a goal ulation, and added an assist for the Maple Leafs. from Philipp Grubauer. The Avalanche have dropped second period as host Florida rallied to defeat Detroit for the Lightning, who extended their win streak William Nylander added a goal and an assist, Pierre five of their last seven. at Sunrise, Fla. Florida also got goals from Evgenii against Atlantic Division opponents to 10 games. Engvall had a goal, and Tyson Barrie had two assists for Dadonov, Brett Connolly, Mike Hoffman and Anton Andrei Vasilevskiy had 39 saves and also picked up his Toronto. Frederik Andersen made 33 saves. CANUCKS 3, KINGS 2 Stralman as the Panthers rallied from a 3-1 deficit. third assist of the season. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Max Elias Pettersson had a goal and an assist, including Hoffman added two assists. Panthers goalie Chris Domi, Ben Chiarot and Jordan Weal scored for the STARS 3, AVALANCHE 2 (SO) the tiebreaking tally at 7:05 of the third period, and Driedger, starting just his fourth NHL game, made 35 Canadiens. Carey Price finished with 25 saves. Alexander Radulov returned from injury to score the Jacob Markstrom made 49 saves as Vancouver defeat- stops to improve to 3-1-0. Detroit got goals from shootout clincher, and Ben Bishop made 41 saves as ed visiting Los Angeles. Jake Virtanen and Tyler Motte Darren Helm, Dylan Larkin, Frans Nielsen and Luke PENGUINS 6, PREDATORS 4 host Dallas avoided a third straight loss by beating also scored for the Canucks, who returned from their Glendening, but the Wings still lost their fifth straight Jake Guentzel stuffed a puck in on a wraparound Colorado for the third time in as many meetings this holiday break and won their season-high fourth game game and have lost 17 of their past 19. — Reuters

Norway’s Kilde leads Paris after Murphy proud of Leicester super-G run in WCup combined fight in Harlequins draw Montpellier held LONDON: Leicester Tigers coach Quins boss Paul Gustard was frustrated by Stade Francais Geordan Murphy saluted his struggling by his side’s failure to see out the game in a BORMIO: Norway’s Aleksander skis after my small injury,” said side’s determination as they came from 14 match played just round the corner from Aamodt Kilde pushed Dominik Pinturault, who remains the favourite points down to draw 30-30 with the London club’s Stoop headquarters. LYON: South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winner Paris into second place after the going into the slalom. Harlequins in front of a 75,000 crowd at “For me, (I’m) gutted. I’m disappointed Handre Pollard’s first try in the French Top 14 was not super-G run of the men’s alpine “I tried my best tried to stay Twickenham on Saturday. with the referee today and it feels more enough as Montpellier drew 20-20 with Stade World Cup combined event in focused on what I had to do and at This was the 12th ‘Big Game’ at like a loss than getting two points,” he said. Francais on Saturday. Pollard, 25, who made his club Bormio yesrterday. least it worked pretty weil.” The Twickenham and the match followed the “It was difficult, obviously, with sin-binning debut last weekend after lifting the Webb Ellis trophy World super-G champion Paris combined event has been revamped inaugural edition in finishing in a draw our tighthead prop, we had to move Joe in early November, crossed in the final quarter of an had claimed back-to-back downhill with the best skiers from the super- when Murphy scored for the Tigers in a Marler across.” hour after taking a quick penalty five metres from the wins on Friday and Saturday on his G starting first in the slalom, revers- 26-26 clash with Quins back in 2008. Elsewhere Bath edged out Sale 16-14 in Parisians line on his maiden home appearance. home piste. But the 30-year-old ing the usual order with the aim of Leicester remained second-bottom in a thriller at the Recreation Ground to leave Despite his efforts the visitors’ 22-year old fly-half Italian was pipped by just 0.03sec favouring the speed specialists. the English Premiership, with only reigning them just outside the top playoff places. It Joris Segonds slotted a penalty with six minutes to go champions Saracens — hit with a huge 35- was a second straight win for Bath, whose by Kilde who led the first run down “I’m satisfied for now, let’s see to claim a draw for the side who remain bottom of the the ‘Stelvio’ in the Italian Alps, with how the slalom will go with the new point deduction for salary cap breaches — hopes of reaching this tern’s European Cup below them in the table. knockout phase have been ended long table. Argentina outside-half Nicholas Sanchez wast- the slalom to come later on Sunday. format,” added the French skier. “The Tries in Saturday’s final quarter from before the finish of the pool stages. ed nine points from the boot which would have “I felt very tired. I made a mistake thigh? While I was going down it Jordan Taufua and Telusa Veainu helped Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland kicked claimed the Parisians’ first away league win of the at (diagonal) Carcentina, now let’s didn’t hurt. It’s hard to say how it will Leicester to a share of the spoils after three penalties for Bath, the last proving to campaign. “I’m disappointed because it’s a game we see what the slalom legs will be like,” work out, here at Bormio the down- Quins were reduced to 14 men and Murphy be a match-winner after England centre should have won but we didn’t have the ingredients to said Paris. Austria’s Vincent hillers can go really fast.” was delighted by the way his team’s pack Jonathan Joseph had gone over for a con- win,” Pollard said after the fixture. “The squad’s lack- Kriechmayr was third fastest at The super-G race was interrupted paved the way for a couple of points. verted try. ing confidence because we’re failing to win successive 0.35sec. after Austria’s Christopher “We knew that they were on a final Meanwhile Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau games,” he added. World combined champion Alexis Neumayer crashed off the course warning scrum wise, we thought we had an came through a full match for the first time The hosts led 10-0 after 25 minutes as Pollard con- Pinturault of France, who had been in and was airlifted off the piste by hel- edge there,” he said. this season, a timely appearance ahead of verted Arthur Vincent’s try and kicked a penalty goal. doubt before the race with a thigh icopter, like teammate Hannes “We used that to build us a platform new national coach Wayne Pivac’s unveil- Stade, owned by billionaire Hans-Peter Wild, sparked injury, posted the 11th fastest time at Reichelt in Saturday’s downhill. The and at 30-30 and when they were down to ing his inaugural Six Nations squad. into action before the break as Australia’s Sefa 0.97sec. “It was really not easy with- start of the slalom run was pushed 14 with seven minutes to go, I thought we’d “He is pleased he has got through it,” Naivalu and France’s Gael Fickou crossed for a 14-10 go on and win that game, so it certainly Hooper said. “Credit to him for the work he out training, with only yesterday on back until 1315 GMT. — AFP lead but Pumas back-rower Pablo Matera left the field feels like a very strange game.” has put in and to our medical team.”—AFP with a suspected back injury. Pollard and Segonds traded a penalty each before the Springbok’s moment of magic with 13 minutes to go as he took a penalty quickly to crash over. His con- Shiffrin cleans version made it 20-17 but Segonds stepped up with have a dozen of minutes to play to deny Pollard a win- ning home debut. up in Lienz with Earlier, Lyon destroyed Bayonne with an emphatic 52-9 win that featured seven tries and hoists them provisionally to first spot in the table. The flurry of slalom triumph tries from six different scorers in front of a 16,000 home crowd at the Stade Gerland lifts early-season LIENZ: Resurgent American ski star Mikaela Shiffrin pace-setters Lyon onto 40 points. made it a clean sweep in Lienz after winning yester- Bordeaux-Begles, who are two points back in sec- day’s alpine World Cup slalom, a day after charging to ond, went into the weekend top and travel to strug- victory in the giant slalom. gling Pau on Sunday needing a win to put them back Shiffrin posted the fastest time on both descents for at the summit. Lyon got off to a flying start to the Top the second day in a row, leaving Slovakia’s exasperated 14 season but three defeats in the past four outings Petra Vlhova 0.61sec back in second, while third-placed were firmly put behind them Saturday. Michelle Gisin cried tears of joy to be on the podium. The 21-year-old France centre Pierre-Louis The two clear victories at Lienz marks a return to Barassi was the chief motor of Bayonne’s destruction form for the nervy American who had bombed to 17th and is a good bet to add to his one Test cap in the up- in her previous performance in Courchevel before tak- coming Six Nations. Bayonne coach Yannick Bru ing a week off to concentrate on training. refused to take the defeat on the chin. “It was a bit of Defending overall champion Shiffrin finished her first a spanking, but strangely, despite the score, we run 0.26sec ahead of Vlhova, who produced a dynamic weren’t far off,” he claimed after the game. second descent to throw down the gauntlet. Barassi dotted down four minutes into the second “I needed to give it 110 percent to beat her and LIENZ: (L-R) Second placed Petra Vlhova of Slovakia, winner Mikaela Shiffrin of the US and third placed Michelle Gisin half before two quickfire tries from South African that’s what I did,” said Shiffrin, whose dextrous negoti- of Switzerland pose after the women’s Slalom event of the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Lienz, Austria, yesterday. —AFP Hendrik Roodt led to Bayonne crumbling. Elsewhere ation of the gates made the difference. on Saturday, newly promoted Brive lost at home in the As Shiffrin swept over to hug her awaiting mother, Yesterday’s win extends Shiffrin’s lead at the top of out on her own in second place for women’s wins, one league for the first time this season as hooker Camille Vlhova’s disappointment was written all over on her the overall rankings to 295 ahead of Italian Federica ahead of retired Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell. She is Chat scored twice in Racing 92’s 44-20 victory at face. This was in stark contrast to the Swiss Gisin, who Brignone, who finished over three seconds back in 13th. closing in on men’s skiing legend Marcel Hirscher’s total Stade Amedee-Domenech. had burst into tears earlier as she realised she would It also consolidates her lead in the slalom classification of 67 but still has some way to go to catch compatriot Ex-France fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc made his finish at least third as she watched Katharina and extend her number of individual World Cup wins to Lindsey Vonn, who racked up 82 wins before hanging up debut in the Parisians’ seventh win from their past Liensberger take a gate wide. 64. Her triumph in the giant slalom on Saturday put her her skis at the end of last season. — AFP eight games across all competitions. — AFP 26 Sports Monday, December 30, 2019 Captain Paine hails teamwork as Australia crush N Zealand Australia winning all four home Tests so far this summer

MELBOURNE: Captain Tim Paine pointed to teamwork SCOREBOARD yesterday as the crucial factor in Australia winning all four home Tests so far this summer — and all inside Scoreboard at the end of the second Test between New Zealand and four days. After crushing Pakistan twice, they have now Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday: done the same to New Zealand, wrapping up their Australia 1st innings 467 (T. Head 114, S. Smith 85, T. Paine 79, M. three-Test series against the Black Caps with a 247-run Labuschagne 63; Wagner 4-38, Southee 3-103) New Zealand 1st innings 148 (T. Latham 50; P Cummins 5-28, J. Pattinson thrashing in Melbourne. 3-34) A first-innings Travis Head century, 85 from Steve Australia 2nd innings (overnight 137-4) Smith and 79 by Paine took the game away from the D. Warner c Blundell b Wagner 38 J. Burns c Watling b Santner 35 visitors after Australia lost the toss and were put into M. Labuschagne run out (Santner) 19 bat. Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon S. Smith c Southee b Wagner 7 then led the attack in dismissing New Zealand twice. M. Wade not out 30 T. Head b Wagner 28 Paine said it was all about players stepping up when Extras (lb4, b4, w2, nb1) 11 others were having an off day. “I think it shows that Total (5 wkts declared, 54.2 overs) 168 we’re starting to spread the load,” he said. “When we Did not bat: Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson work together as a team and build pressure — one day Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Warner), 2-100 (Labuschagne), 3-110 (Burns), 4-110 it’s going to be Pat (Cummins), the next day it’s going to (Smith), 5-168 (Head) be Nathan (Lyon), the next day it’s going to be James Bowling: Boult 9-0-30-0, Southee 15-3-44-0, de Grandhomme 5-0-14-0 (1w), Wagner 17.2-1-50-3 (1w, 1nb), Santner 8-0-22-1 Pattinson, another day it’s going to be Mitchell Starc. “We just keep driving that home to all our team,” he New Zealand 2nd innings added. “If we keep building pressure as a team we’ve T. Latham c Paine b Pattinson 8 T. Blundell c Lyon b Labuschagne 121 got some absolute firepower and we know that all of K. Williamson lbw Pattinson 0 them are going to have their day in the sun.” R. Taylor b Pattinson 2 Paine said the same applied to the batting, where H. Nicholls st Paine b Lyon 33 B. Watling c Warner b Lyon 22 some fired in Melbourne and others didn’t. “The same C. de Grandhomme c Warner b Lyon 9 with the batting, trying to build partnerships, trying to M. Santner c Paine b Lyon 27 T. Southee run out (Paine) 2 take teams’ bowlers really deep, make them bowl lots of N. Wagner not out 6 overs,” he said. T. Boult absent hurt - “At some stage we’re all going to get a chance to MELBOURNE: Australia’s wicketkeeper Tim Paine (R) stumps New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls (L) on the Extras (lb7, nb1, w2) 10 fourth day of the second cricket Test match at the MCG in Melbourne yesterday.— AFP Total (all out; 71 overs) 240 score lots of runs as well.” Australia, who retained Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Latham), 2-33 (Williamson), 3-35 (Taylor), 4-89 the Ashes in England heading into the home summer, (Nicholls), 5-161 (Watling), 6-172 (de Grandhomme), 7-212 (Santner), 8- have one final Test against the Black Caps in Sydney want to win every Test match, there’s no doubt championship every Test is really important. 214 (Southee), 9-240 (Blundell) later this week. Paine said he wanted the same inten- Bowling: Starc 15-3-59-0 (2w, 1nb), Cummins 18-4-47-0, Pattinson 12-3- about that,” he said. “So winning the series is almost less important sity for that game, which meant muted celebrations 35-3 , Lyon 23-4-81-4, Labuschagne 3-1-11-1 “We know we’ve wrapped up the series here today, until we wrap up next week hopefully with another Result: Australia won by 247 runs. in Melbourne with such a short turnaround. “We which was pleasing, but with the (ICC) Test match good win.” —AFP South Africa see Williamson urges off stubborn more fighting England to claim spirit from NZ

107-run victory MELBOURNE: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said his team need to mirror the fighting spirit of century- maker Tom Blundell if they are to bounce back from their CENTURION: South Africa broke down stubborn second-Test thrashing by Australia. England resistance to win the first Test of their World Opener Blundell was the last man out in Melbourne Test Championship series by 107 runs at SuperSport after compiling a battling 121 as team-mates threw their Park yesterday. England needed 376 to win but wickets away in the improbable 488-run chase to save the despite some committed batting were bowled out for match. Williamson called it a “magnificent” innings. 268 on the fourth day of the five-day encounter. “Obviously it was hard work out there, the task was An enthralling contest swung South Africa’s way immense. But you look at some small positives... that was a when left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled Ben truly fantastic innings,” he said after the 247-run defeat — Stokes to halt a brief flurry of strokes as Stokes and their second Test loss inside four days. captain Joe Root tried to lift the scoring rate before “He led the way and it is important that we all take the second new ball was due. something from that. “The effort from the bowlers The new ball then had an immediate impact with throughout was something that is inspiring to us as a team, Kagiso Rabada having Jonny Bairstow caught at gully that never-give-up attitude. “But at the same time if we are before Anrich Nortje claimed the crucial wicket of looking for areas to improve there are a few of them. We Root, who made a fighting 48 before he was caught do need to try and put Australia under a bit more pressure before their first innings total gets past that point of con- behind. trol.” Australia took the game away from New Zealand on It was the second time in the day Nortje claimed a day one after Williamson won the toss and took a gamble wicket with the second ball of a new spell after he CENTURION: South Africa’s Rudi Second (L) throws the ball in an attempt to run out England’s Rory Burns (R) dur- by putting them in to bat. It turned out to be a poor deci- made the first breakthrough of the day by dismissing ing the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and England at The SuperSport Park stadi- sion, but he insisted it was a reasonable one at the time. “I top-scorer Rory Burns for 84. um at Centurion near Pretoria yestetray. —AFP felt like there was enough in the surface to bowl first and it The remaining wickets fell quickly, with Rabada fin- was obviously very important for us to be on top of our ishing with four for 103 and fellow fast bowler Anrich game and the surface did offer some sideways movement Nortje claiming three for 56. Maharaj, who broke Nortje made a second crucial breakthrough when sent down three overs with the second new ball but was and swing,” he said. England’s first wicket stand of 92 on Saturday when South African captain Faf du Plessis made an inspired not making the batsmen play many deliveries, so Du “But credit to Australia for getting through that first he dismissed Dom Sibley, took two for 37. bowling change. First innings destroyer Vernon Philander Plessis called on Nortje with immediate success. —AFP session and put 400 on the board.” Williamson’s team South Africa produced a disciplined bowling per- must now regroup quickly with the third and final Test in formance, making scoring difficult on a pitch which Sydney later this week. The series has been lost and they always offered something to the bowlers with some SCOREBOARD will be playing for pride only. “All round from our perspec- sideways movement and uneven bounce. tive we need to be better in all departments. We do need England added only 50 runs in 25 overs while los- Centurion, South Africa: Final scores on the fourth day of the first Test between South Africa and England at SuperSport Park yesterday: to be better come Sydney,” he said. “We haven’t been at ing two wickets during the morning. our best, but it is important that we try and learn really Rory Burns took his overnight score of 77 to 84 South Africa, first innings, 284 J. Archer c Van der Dussen b Nortje 4 quickly and improve in all areas.” — AFP before mistiming a pull against Nortje to be caught at England, first innings, 181 S. Broad b Rabada 6 mid-on, while Joe Denly was leg before wicket to South Africa, second innings, 272 J. Anderson not out 0 Dwaine Pretorius for 31. England, second innings (overnight 121-1) Extras (b8, lb3, w1) 12 Burns and Denly saw off the threat of Vernon R. Burns c Rabada b Nortje 84 Australia’s Siddle Philander and Rabada but found scoring difficult. Total (93 overs) 268 D. Sibley c and b Maharaj 29 Philander conceded only one run in five overs. Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Sibley), 2-139 (Burns), 3-158 (Denly), 4-204 Rabada gave up 23 in six overs, which included two J. Denly lbw b Pretorius 31 announces (Stokes), 5-222 (Bairstow), 6-232 (Root), 7-251 (Curran), 8-256 hooked sixes by Denly. J. Root c De Kock b Nortje 48 (Archer), 9-262 (Buttler) Burns, who faced most of Philander’s bowling, B. Stokes b Maharaj 14 retirement adding only seven runs off 37 balls. The change J. Bairstow c Hamza b Rabada 9 Bowling: Rabada 24-3-103-4, Philander 20-8-35-0, Nortje 17-4- to Nortje brought an immediate result for South J. Buttler c Pretorius b Rabada 22 56-3 (1w), Pretorius 16-6-26-1, Maharaj 16-3-37-2. MELBOURNE: Veteran Australian bowler Peter Siddle Africa as Burns attempted to pull the fast announced his international retirement yesterday after a Result: South Africa won by 107 runs bowler’s second delivery and sent the ball loop- S. Curran c De Kock b Rabada 9 67-Test career, with national coach Justin Langer praising ing to Rabada at mid-on. him as giving his “heart and soul” to the team. The 35-year-old had been called up to the second Test squad in Melbourne but was not selected in the side to face New Zealand and decided to call it quits. “Just being able to play, to walk out, wear the baggy green — I’d Somerset agree personal terms with SA’s Philander watched guys like Punter (Ricky Ponting), Steve Waugh, guys like that wear it, represent Australia,” he said. “Every time I stepped out was amazing, I don’t think I LONDON: Somerset have agreed personal terms working towards the full procedure being completed Kolpak signings, as well as cricketers with EU could pick one special one. “At the end of the day, to play with South Africa’s Vernon Philander, the club successfully in the New Year.” passports, are currently eligible to play in England one is amazing, to end up playing what I did is truly spe- announced Saturday after the Proteas paceman had Philander, who took four wickets as South Africa without counting as “overseas” players. But both cial.” Siddle, who played a key role in helping Australia already confirmed he would be playing for the dismissed England for 181 in the first innings of the these employment rulings could be directly affected retain the Ashes in England earlier this year, went to the English county. ongoing first Test in Centurion, confirmed on Friday by Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, now set to take Australian dressing room at the Melbourne Cricket Somerset, runners-up in last season’s first-class he would be returning to Somerset, having previously place next month. Ground to tell his teammates personally. County Championship, will now look to complete the played for the county in 2012. The ruling, allied to the low value of South Africa’s “The year after I retired from playing, Matty Hayden paperwork on a deal that would see the 34-year-old “Everyone knows that,” he told reporters. But the rand currency, has seen several former Proteas inter- and Ricky Ponting were raving about this guy called Peter Philander heading to Taunton as a Kolpak player fol- Proteas stalwart added it was incorrect he had signed nationals join English county clubs in moves that have Siddle,” Langer said. “If it came from them, you knew it lowing South Africa’s home Test series with England. a three-year contract. “We’re going to go on a year- effectively signalled the end of their international was right and so it proved throughout his brilliant interna- “Somerset County Cricket Club are today able to by-year basis and see how we go,” he said. careers so they can be deemed ‘home’ players under tional career. “He is an unbelievable bloke and an extreme- ly good cricketer. He is the everything of what a team play- officially confirm that we have agreed personal terms Philander was speaking after the second day’s play the regulations. er is. He has given his heart and soul to the Australian team with Vernon Philander for him to become a Somerset at Centurion in what he has announced will be his And while Morne Morkel joined Surrey after a long and the game of cricket.” Siddle took 221 wickets from his player in 2020,” the county said in a statement. final series before retiring from international cricket. career with the Proteas, fellow fast bowlers Kyle 67 Tests including eight five-wicket hauls. “It has been widely reported over the last few days The Kolpak ruling means citizens of countries who Abbott (Hampshire) and Duanne Olivier (Yorkshire) He is the 13th highest Test wicket-taker among that the South African would be joining the county, have signed European Union association agreements cut short their time in international cricket to sign Australian bowlers and is best remembered for the hat- but the official paperwork required to complete the or who are lawfully working within an EU country, Kolpak deals intensified concerns about a damaging trick he claimed on his 26th birthday against England in deal is being finalised with the ECB, with the club have the same free movement rights as EU citizens. talent drain from the South Africa set-up. —AFP Brisbane in 2010. —AFP 27 Sports Monday, December 30, 2019 Jimmy Butler helps host Heat survive 76ers in overtime Lakers halt skid, get back on track with win over Trail Blazers

MIAMI: Jimmy Butler made the go-ahead free throw with rebounds and 10 assists for his seventh triple-double of 2.3 seconds remaining in overtime against his former the season, Will Barton scored 20 points and had seven team, as the host Miami Heat recorded a 117-116 victory assists, and host Denver beat Memphis. Jamal Murray and over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. After Ben Mason Plumlee had 15 points each for the Nuggets, who Simmons converted an alley-oop dunk to forge a tie at 116 had seven players reach double figures in scoring to with 18.3 seconds left in overtime, Butler was fouled on a rebound from Wednesday’s 112-100 loss to the New jumper on the next possession. Butler misfired on the first Orleans Pelicans. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 20 points, attempt before sinking the second, and Tobias Harris De’Anthony Melton had 17, Ja Morant scored 16 and failed to convert a 3-point attempt as Miami improved to Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the 6-0 in overtime and an NBA-best 15-1 at home this sea- Grizzlies. Brandon Clarke finished with 15 points. son. Butler finished with 25 points, nine assists and nine rebounds. He was playing in his third game against his HOUSTON ROCKETS 108 - BROOKLYN NETS 98 former team after inking a four-year, $142 million deal James Harden delivered 44 points and 10 rebounds, with Miami in a sign-and-trade deal that brought Josh and host Houston survived unsightly 3-point shooting in Richardson to Philadelphia. Joel Embiid collected 35 its victory over Brooklyn. Russell Westbrook added 23 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers, who have dropped points, nine rebounds and seven assists prior to his ejec- the first two contests of their four-game road trip. tion inside the final minute. Austin Rivers tallied 14 points off the bench on 4-for-9 shooting on 3-pointers. But DALLAS MAVERICKS 141 - GOLDEN Houston shot just 13 of 42 from deep, perimeter strug- STATE WARRIORS 121 gles that enabled Brooklyn to remain close. Spencer Luka Doncic recorded 31 points, 15 assists and 12 Dinwiddie paced five Nets in double figures with 17 rebounds for his ninth triple-double of the season to lead points while adding a game-high 11 assists. Taurean Dallas past host Golden State in San Francisco. Doncic Prince and Jarrett Allen scored 16 apiece for the Nets, and tied the franchise record for triple-doubles in a sea- who shot 40.2 percent. son set by Jason Kidd in 1995-96. Doncic also made five 3-pointers as Dallas set a franchise record by making 24 MILWAUKEE BUCKS 111 - ORLANDO MAGIC 100 from behind the arc (out of 51 attempts). The Mavericks A dominant fourth quarter powered host Milwaukee to won for the 15th time in the last 20 games. Tim Hardaway its second win without star Giannis Antetokounmpo in as Jr. made six 3-pointers and scored 25 points, and Kristaps many nights, as it downed Orlando. Antetokounmpo MIAMI: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Porzingis made four treys while adding 18 points, seven missed his second game with a back injury, but Milwaukee Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. —AFP rebounds and four blocked shots. D’Angelo Russell started and finished strong in his absence. Khris scored 35 points and matched his career best of nine 3- Middleton led the Bucks in scoring Saturday, as he did NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 120 - INDIANA PACERS 98 York defeated host Washington to win two games in a pointers for the Warriors, who had a four-game winning Friday at Atlanta, posting 21 points. Orlando was paced by row for only the second time this season. Reserve Bobby streak halted. Brandon Ingram scored 24 points, and six teammates 23 points from Evan Fournier and 21 points from Nikola also scored in double figures as host New Orleans routed Portis scored 17 points, RJ Barrett added 14 and Marcus LOS ANGELES LAKERS 128 - PORTLAND Vucevic. Jonathan Isaac scored 19 points and made seven Indiana for its fourth win in five games and its first home Morris contributed 10. Washington’s Isaiah Thomas TRAIL BLAZERS 120 steals, a big chunk of Milwaukee’s 24 turnovers. victory since Nov 19. Jrue Holiday added 20 points, JJ scored 20 points in his return from a two-game league Redick scored 15, Lonzo Ball had 13, E’Twaun Moore and suspension. Jordan McRae also had 20 points, and Gary LeBron James scored 21 points, matched his season TORONTO RAPTORS 113 - BOSTON CELTICS 97 best of 16 assists and also collected seven rebounds while Josh Hart came off the bench to score 11 each, and Derrick Payton II scored 15 points for the Wizards, who have lost Kyle Lowry scored 30 points and registered seven Favors had 10 points and 16 rebounds. Ingram and two straight and five of six. playing through a groin injury to lead Los Angeles past assists for visiting Toronto, which never trailed as it host Portland. Kyle Kuzma scored a team-high 24 points, Holiday each added seven assists. Aaron Holiday scored gained a measure of revenge for its Christmas Day loss to 25 points, T.J. Warren added 20 and Domantas Sabonis SAN ANTONIO SPURS 136 - DETROIT PISTONS 109 and Anthony Davis added 20 points, nine rebounds and Boston. Serge Ibaka finished with 20 points and 10 five assists as the Lakers halted a season-worst, four- had 15 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Pacers. DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points on 13-of-16 shoot- rebounds as the Raptors ended a two-game losing streak game losing streak. Rajon Rondo tallied 15 points, According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Jrue, Justin, and ing, and LaMarcus Aldridge added 25 points and 12 in their first game since falling to the Celtics 118-102 in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 13 and Dwight Howard Aaron Holiday became the first trio of brothers to play in rebounds as host San Antonio flattened Detroit to avenge Toronto on Wednesday. It was the first Christmas Day had 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots. an NBA game when Justin checked in for the Pacers with a 34-point loss to the Pistons on Dec 1. After a con- game played in Canada. Patrick McCaw had 18 points, Damian Lillard recorded 31 points and nine assists for the 5:13 left in the first quarter. tentious first half that ended with the Spurs up four, San Trail Blazers, who lost their third straight game. Hassan seven rebounds and a game-high eight assists for the Antonio broke open the game by outscoring the Pistons Whiteside recorded 19 points and 16 rebounds, CJ Raptors, while Fred VanVleet also scored 18 points. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 94 - MINNESOTA 42-25 in the third quarter and waltzed to the win. Bryn McCollum scored 18 points, Anfernee Simons added 14, Kemba Walker scored 30 points for the Celtics, who had TIMBERWOLVES 88 Forbes added 18 points for San Antonio, with Rudy Gay Carmelo Anthony had 13 and Anthony Tolliver tallied 12. their five-game winning streak snapped. Jaylen Brown fin- Collin Sexton and Darius Garland scored 18 points hitting for 16 and Dejounte Murray scoring 13 in the win. ished with 17 points, followed by Gordon Hayward (13), each as Cleveland won for the fourth time in five games by Derrick Rose paced Detroit with 24 points off the bench, UTAH JAZZ 120 - LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 107 Jayson Tatum (12) and Enes Kanter (11). beating Minnesota in Minneapolis. In a game that was with Andre Drummond scoring 21 points and grabbing 18 missing much of its star power, Kevin Love did not start rebounds. Donovan Mitchell had 30 points, nine assists and seven CHICAGO BULLS 116 - ATLANTA HAWKS 81 rebounds, leading visiting Utah over Los Angeles. Jordan for the Cavaliers because of hip and back soreness. The Clarkson scored 19 points, Bojan Bogdanovic added 17 Lauri Markkanen scored 25 points on 8-for-14 Timberwolves were without Karl-Anthony Towns for a PHOENIX SUNS 112 - SACRAMENTO KINGS 110 and Joe Ingles chipped in 15 for the Jazz, who captured shooting, and Chicago cruised to a win over visiting sixth consecutive game because of a sprained left knee Devin Booker had 32 points and 10 assists, and Kelly their seventh win in their last eight games. Paul George Atlanta. Zach LaVine added 19 points on 7-for-15 and also were without Andrew Wiggins because of the flu. Oubre had 20 points and a career-high 16 rebounds as had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Kawhi Leonard shooting for the Bulls, who won for the third time in Tristan Thompson grabbed 15 boards while scoring 12 Phoenix broke an eight-game losing streak with a victory scored 19 points for the Clippers. Center Ivica Zubac fin- their past four games. Coby White scored 18 points off points for the Cavaliers, and Kevin Porter Jr. added 10 at Sacramento. Ricky Rubio had 21 points and eight ished with 15 points and 12 boards, nine of those on the the bench, Wendell Carter Jr. had 13 points and Tomas points. For the Timberwolves, Jeff Teague scored 18 assists, and Aron Baynes had 17 points and six rebounds offensive end. Two free throws by Zubac cut the Jazz’s Satoransky finished with 11 points to go along with points, while Kelan Martin added 17. Minnesota lost for for the Suns, who had lost 13 of 16. Buddy Hield had 23 lead to 109-107 with 3:35 left, but Utah scored the final 11 eight rebounds and six assists. John Collins scored 34 the 12th time in its last 13 games after ending an 11-game points and four 3-pointers, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points to clinch the win. points on 14-for-26 shooting in a losing effort for the losing streak Thursday. points and five 3-pointers off the bench and Harrison Hawks, who played without top scorer Trae Young Barnes had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Kings, who DENVER NUGGETS 119 - MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 110 because of a sprained ankle. Atlanta lost its 10th game NEW YORK KNICKS 107 - WASHINGTON WIZARDS 100 have lost six in a row. Barnes’ 26-footer to potentially win Nikola Jokic had a season-high 31 points to go with 10 in a row and fell to 3-15 on the road. Julius Randle had 30 points and 16 rebounds, and New it missed with two seconds left. — Reuters

claiming arguably the biggest win of Gerrard’s mana- cross in off the post. The lead lasted just six minutes, Rangers end long gerial career so far. though, as luck shined on Celtic when Callum Leicester end Rangers dominated the League Cup final between McGregor’s shot deflected in off the arm of Odsonne the sides earlier this month, but were left to rue a host Edouard’s hand and was not spotted by referee wait for win of missed chances and a stunning goalkeeping per- Kevin Clancy. Pellegrini’s time at formance from Fraser Forster as 10-man Celtic Morelos has scored 28 goals this season but has at Celtic Park claimed the trophy. The pattern from that match con- still not netted in 12 meetings against Celtic and was West Ham, Man Utd tinued, though, and this time Rangers got their reward. desperate to atone for a host of missed chances in the After a bright start from the visitors it was Celtic cup final. The Colombian had a huge chance to restore GLASGOW: Rangers ended a nine-year wait to beat who were gifted a huge chance to take the lead just Rangers’ lead early in the second half but spooned close on top four Celtic away from home as goals from Ryan Kent and after the half hour mark when Katic was penalised for over after a brilliant low cross from Kent left the goal Nikola Katic earned a 2-1 win at Celtic Park to take holding Christopher Jullien from a corner. at his mercy. Rangers had to wait just six minutes LONDON: A much-changed Leicester inflicted the final control of the Scottish Premiership title race. Forster saved Morelos’s penalty in the cup final longer to get back in front as they peppered the Celtic blow of Manuel Pellegrini’s time in charge of West Ham Steven Gerrard’s men still trail Celtic by two points, three weeks ago and the goalkeeper again came out goal with a series of set-pieces and the pressure paid with a 2-1 win on Saturday as Manchester United closed but have a game in hand on the Scottish champions as on top as this time Alan McGregor got down low to off when Katic powered home a Barisic corner. on the Premier League’s top four with a 2-0 victory at they aim to end a run of eight straight league titles for his left to turn Christie’s spot-kick to safety. McGregor was needed to make two big saves as Burnley. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford struck late the green-and-white half of Glasgow. Celtic maintained the pressure and Jullien, who Jullien threatened again from a corner before Boli in each half to take United above Tottenham in fifth after Celtic were left to rue Ryan Christie’s penalty miss scored the winner the last time the sides met, saw a Bolingoli’s long-range strike was beaten away. Spurs were held 2-2 draw at Norwich. Pellegrini was with the score at 0-0 as they suffered a first home header cleared off the line by Steven Davis. Just as the Morelos saw red with virtually the last action of the sacked soon after the Hammers succumbed to a Leicester league defeat since May 2018. hosts were beginning to take control, Rangers scored game as he saw a second booking for diving inside side that made nine changes after a Boxing Day thrashing by Liverpool. Rangers’ top scorer Alfredo Morelos was sent off in their first goal against their bitter rivals in three games the area. However, Rangers comfortably saw out the Jamie Vardy was among those missing due to the birth this season. final stages to snap Celtic’s 11-game winning streak stoppage time for the second time in three games and of his daughter, but Kelechi Iheanacho and Demarai Gray the seventh occasion over the past two seasons as his Kent was a constant menace in two wins over in the league and set up a thrilling title race when the made the most of their chance for a rare Premier League wait for an Old Firm goal continued. Celtic last season and was the man to provide a action resumes in the new year after a three-week start by scoring either side of half-time. However, that will matter little to Rangers after moment of quality as he smashed Borna Barisic’s low winter break. — AFP “Anytime you come in if you’re not playing so much you have to try and stamp your mark and get yourself in the team,” said Gray, who also saw an early penalty saved by Lukasz Fabianski. West Ham to reappoint Stunning win for Hilal, El Kaabi The Foxes move 10 points behind Liverpool, having played two games more, and stretch their lead in second over Manchester City to four points. Pablo Fornals levelled Moyes after Pellegrini sacking bags Wydad hat-trick for the Hammers just before half-time, but a seventh defeat in nine games left them just one point above the relegation JOHANNESBURG: A stunning victory for Al Khartoum, Hilal are trying for the 33rd time zone. “It has become clear that a change is required to get LONDON: Premier League strugglers Hilal of Sudan and an Ayoub el Kaabi hat- to win the top African club prize. They the club back on track in line with our ambitions this sea- West Ham United are set to reappoint trick for Wydad Casablanca of Morocco came closest in 1987 and 1992, losing two- son,” said the Hammers joint-chairman David Sullivan. David Moyes as their new head coach were the CAF Champions League matchday leg finals against Ahly and Wydad respec- “We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give to replace the sacked Manuel three highlights on Saturday. tively 2-0 on aggregate. the new manager as much time as possible to try and Pellegrini, Sky Sports and the BBC Hilal won a group game in the elite Walid Soliman, the 35-year-old Ahly achieve that goal.” reported yesterday. African club competition for the first time veteran, scored in each half to earn the United closed to within a point of fourth-placed Chilean Pellegrini was sacked after after 22 failed attempts from 2007 by record eight-time African champions a 2- Chelsea with Martial and Rashford again their talismen at Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home by shocking Etoile Sahel of Tunisia 1-0 in 0 win over pointless Platinum of Turf Moor. Martial produced a clinical finish after Andreas Leicester City, their ninth loss in 12 Rades. Athar el Tahir scored the match-win- Zimbabwe in Cairo. Perreira pounced on an error from Charlie Taylor a minute league games that left the London side ner on 59 minutes by rifling a low shot past Meanwhile, China-based Moroccan El before half-time. 17th in the standings — one point above Achraf Krir and into the corner of the net Kaabi ended a loan spell at Wydad with a United had to wait till stoppage time to secure all three the relegation zone. David Moyes after a neat three-man build-up. treble as Wydad finished 4-1 winners over points when Rashford rounded off a rapid counter-attack It would be Moyes’ second stint with The triumph lifted Hilal to first place in Petro Luanda of Angola in an electric as they kept a first clean sheet in 15 league games. “It is a West Ham after he saved the club from However, the club chose not to renew Group B, ahead of Al Ahly of Egypt and Casablanca atmosphere. big difference to get a clean sheet. It is important for us to relegation in the 2017-18 campaign dur- his contract and hired Manchester City’s Etoile on head-to-head records as the three Against a backdrop of singing, flag-wav- know we can grind out results as well,” said United man- contenders have six points each. With home ing supporters, Wydad were stung midway ing a six-month deal. He was hired by former title-winning manager Pellegrini ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Tottenham have also struggled fixtures to come against Etoile and Ahly, a through the second half when Brazilian for clean sheets under Jose Mourinho and their defensive West Ham in November 2017 to replace in the off season last year, who led West Slaven Bilic with the London side in the Hilal team coached by Egyptian Hamada Antonio ‘Tony’ Ribeiro equalised. But El deficiencies were again exposed by bottom-of-the-table Ham to a 10th-placed finish last season. Sedki can entertain realistic hopes of a top- Kaabi netted a second time to put Wydad relegation zone and the Scotsman led Norwich. Mario Vrancic was afforded time and space to If appointed, Moyes’ first game in charge two finish and a quarter-finals place. Based ahead again on 79 minutes and completed them to a 13th-placed finish to ensure fire the Canaries into an early lead and only the finest of will be at home against 16th-placed in Omdurman, a city on the western bank of the scoring after Wilson Carmo conceded an margins on a VAR review for offside denied Teemu Pukki the club’s survival in the top flight. Bournemouth on Wednesday. —Reuters the River Nile opposite the Sudanese capital own-goal.—AFP putting Norwich 2-0 up before half-time.—AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019

Shiffrin cleans up in Captain Paine hails teamwork West Ham to reappoint Moyes 25Lienz with slalom triumph 26 as Australia crush N Zealand 27 after Pellegrini sacking

Liverpool lean on VAR to edge Wolves

LIVERPOOL: Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss (C) sends a shot high over the bar during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England, yesterday. — AFP

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool continued their relentless Wolves were angered even before kick-off with the and Roberto Firmino all came close. The deadlock was Nuno was booked among the Wolves protestations, march towards a first Premier League title in 30 years, scheduling that meant they travelled to the European finally broken when Mane swept home his 14th goal of but the Portuguese coach’s starting line-up meant he but Jurgen Klopp’s men needed the benefit of two VAR champions just 45 hours after a thrilling 3-2 win over the season. had weapons up his sleeve come the second half with reviews to see off Wolves 1-0 at Anfield yesterday. Manchester City. Referee Anthony Taylor ruled the goal out for hand- the pace of Traore unleashed on the hour mark. Sadio Mane scored the only goal three minutes Nuno Espirito Santo responded by making four ball as Lallana knocked the ball into Mane’s path, but Wolves’ top scorer Jimenez followed, but only after before half-time as the Senegalese’s strike was allowed changes with all three goalscorers from Friday — Raul the English midfielder had instead used his shoulder Diogo Jota’s fierce strike forced Alisson Becker into a to stand after initially being ruled out for handball Jimenez, Adama Traore and Matt Doherty — starting and the goal was given after a lengthy VAR review. smart save. The visitors had lost just once in their pre- against Adam Lallana. on the bench. If Wolves felt hard done by for the opener, they were vious 14 league games to move into contention for a Moments later Wolves had an equaliser scored by Liverpool made just one alteration from the side that rightly infuriated again in first half stoppage time when top-four finish and they did not go down without a fight Pedro Neto disallowed by VAR for the tightest of off- thrashed Leicester 4-0 in a top-of-the-table clash on Neto’s equaliser was ruled out. in the final stages. side decisions. An 18th win in 19 Premier League games Boxing Day to open up a seemingly unassailable lead in Jonny was adjudged to be offside by the tiniest of Jimenez had the best chance to claim an equaliser, this season reestablished Liverpool’s 13-point lead at the title race. margins to add to a number of Premier League goals but was denied by a block from Joe Gomez before Joao the top of the table and they have a game in hand over An extra day’s rest for the hosts showed in the early over the past two days ruled out for the most marginal Moutinho, Romain Saiss, Ruben Vinagre and Traore closest challengers Leicester. stages as Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mane of offside calls. fired off target. — AFP

After coming from behind to rescue a 1-1 the lead with a well-rehearsed set-piece rou- Chelsea sink draw at Bournemouth in his first match on tine in the 13th minute. Thursday, Arteta would have been encour- Calum Chambers was positioned perfectly aged by their bright start — but not the woe- to rise above Fikayo Tomori and glance Arsenal with ful meltdown that leaves Arsenal with only one Mesut Ozil’s corner towards Aubameyang. win in their last 15 games in all competitions. The Gabon striker, who also scored in Arsenal, 12 points adrift of the top four, have Arteta’s first game, applied the finishing late fightback lost four consecutive home fixtures in all com- touch, escaping Emerson’s slack marking to petitions for the first time in 60 years. They guide a diving header past Kepa Arrizabalaga LONDON: Chelsea ruined Arsenal manager also suffered three successive top-flight home for his 15th goal of the season. Mikel Arteta’s home debut as Tammy defeats for the first time since 1977. While Arteta didn’t hide his delight, fist-pumping Abraham’s late strike sealed a dramatic 2-1 Arteta held his head in despair after in celebration of the first home goal of his win after Bernd Leno’s horrific blunder turned Abraham’s winner, Frank Lampard’s wild cele- reign. Aubameyang’s goal meant Chelsea had the tide in a thrilling London derby yesterday. bration showed Chelsea’s need for the win kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 Leading through Pierre-Emerick after a difficult period of their own. Fourth league fixtures and, with Arsenal well on top Aubameyang’s early goal at the Emirates placed Chelsea had lost five of their last seven and threatening to score again, Lampard was Stadium, Arteta was just seven minutes away league games, but a second successive away forced to take drastic action. from securing his first victory in his second win — following their recent impressive suc- In a bid to shake Chelsea out of their game in charge. But Gunners goalkeeper cess at Tottenham — moves them four points lethargy, Lampard hauled off Brazilian wing- Leno made a hash of coming to catch a free- clear of fifth placed Manchester United. back Emerson and sent on Italy midfielder kick and Jorginho tapped in to spark a There was no fanfare for Arteta before Jorginho as he ditched his 3-4-3 formation Chelsea fightback that climaxed in Abraham kick-off, the Spaniard quietly take his place after just 33 minutes. firing home with three minutes left. After on the bench to applause from Arsenal fans The switch proved an inspired move but dominating the first half, it was a shocking but but without any elaborate introduction. not before Mount, N’Golo Kante and Antonio LONDON: Arsenal’s French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi (left) tangles with Chelsea’s familiar collapse from Arsenal, whose lack of Chelsea went close early on when Willian’s Rudiger were all booked in quick succession French midfielder N’Golo Kante during the English Premier League football match steel was the key element in the downfall of quick free-kick caught Arsenal flat-footed, as Chelsea used brute blunt Arsenal’s between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. — AFP Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery. In their allowing Mason Mount to drift into space for momentum. Chelsea were on top in the sec- final game of the decade, Arsenal showed just a fierce strike that stung Leno’s palms. ond half and teenage debutant Tariq Lamptey was truly farcical, the German lying with his Arsenal area and crossed to Abraham, who how much work Arteta has to do to steer the But, initially vibrant in possession and tire- led the charge when his surge ended with head in his hands after his misjudgement of turned unchecked by the ponderous Gunners back to respectability in his first less without the ball, Arsenal exposed Abraham’s shot being blocked by David Luiz. Mount’s high free-kick allowed Jorginho to Shkodran Mustafi to fire a cool strike under managerial role. Chelsea’s own problems at the back to take Leno’s game-changing 83rd minute howler tap into the empty net. Willian broke into the Leno. —AFP